The opposition "United List" stated that it will not support Colonel Raivis Melnis's candidacy for the post of Minister of Defense "under this government and prime minister." The political conflict surrounding Silina's coalition continues to escalate.
The political crisis surrounding the Ministry of Defense and the ruling coalition in Latvia is becoming increasingly serious.
Saeima deputy and board member of the "United List" Maris Kucinskis stated that his party is not ready to support the candidate for the post of Minister of Defense, Raivis Melnis, proposed by Prime Minister Evika Silina.
"Of course, not under this government and prime minister," Kucinskis said on Latvian television.
At the same time, the politician emphasized that he is personally not acquainted with Melnis and does not rule out that he may be a professionally suitable candidate.
According to Kucinskis, the ruling coalition must first resolve its internal crisis.
If this does not happen, the party alliance expects further actions from President Edgars Rinkevics.
The "United List" has 13 deputies in the Saeima, and against the backdrop of an unstable coalition, their position may prove important for the further development of events.
The crisis began after the prime minister demanded the resignation of Minister of Defense Andris Sprudins following incidents involving drones in Latgale.
Almost simultaneously, Sprudins announced his departure, stating that he takes political responsibility and wants to protect the army from being drawn into political conflicts.
Silina has already offered the post of Minister of Defense to Colonel Raivis Melnis, who agreed to take the position.
However, now not only the approval of the new minister is in question, but also the stability of the entire coalition.
The "Progressives" party has already accused the prime minister of undermining the coalition agreement and is expected to make a decision on further participation in the government on Monday.
Silina herself has allowed for the possibility of transitioning to a technical government if the "Progressives" leave the coalition.
For Latvia, this is a particularly sensitive moment: the political conflict unfolds against the backdrop of discussions about security on the eastern border, strengthening air defense, and incidents involving Russian drones.
Currently, the attention of politicians and the public is focused not only on the candidacy of the new Minister of Defense but also on whether the current coalition can maintain its functionality at all.
Leave a comment