Kabinetscrisis in Letland na uiteenvallen regeringscoalitie (en)

Latvian Prime Minister Einars Repse yesterday (5 February) announced the resignation of his government after losing the majority in the parliament last week. The collapse of Mr Repse's government was due to a coalition party withdrawing its support.

"Everything has been free-falling. The agony of the state must not be allowed to continue", Mr Repse was quoted as saying by the Baltic News Service.

The crisis comes at a bad time, with Latvia about to join the European Union in May and the Baltic countries under pressure from Russia, concerning issues with Russian minorities.

Russia is threatening not to sign partnership and cooperation agreements with new EU member states, because the treatment of Russian minorities in some of these countries does not meet the standards promised by the EU.

Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga told LTV1 state television that she would immediately start the process of naming the new prime minister.

"The most important thing with a new government is that it is stable and can make sure Latvia will be ready to join the EU and NATO", the president added.

The present government will continue until the new cabinet is appointed.

The 'New Era' party lost the majority when its main political partner - First Party - left the coalition in protest after the prime minister fired his deputy Ainars Slesers. Both sides have accused each other of mismanagement and corruption.