Latvian premier hands in government's resignation to president

By Burak Bir

LONDON (AA) – Latvia's Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins on Thursday submitted his government's resignation officially to President Edgars Rinkevics.

"I must say thank you to society, to voters for the chance to fulfil this position during these years," he told reporters after he submitted the resignation at Riga Castle.

Karins also thanked all ministers who had served in his two administrations, the public broadcaster LSM reported.

He also expressed his support for Evika Silina, the candidate of Karins' New Unity Party, to be the next prime minister, saying she would be able to lead a "strong government, strong coalition."

Asked about his future plans, the 56-year-old politician said he does not intend to quit politics.

After accusing coalition partners during a news conference, Karins said Monday that his government would resign later this week.

Karins served as economy minister from 2004 to 2006, while he was member of the European Parliament from 2009 until he took office as Latvia's prime minister in 2019.