Xinhua News Agency, Riga, May 10 (Reporter Chen Yufen) Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina dismissed Defense Minister Andris Sprudz on the grounds of inadequate response to a drone incident on the 10th.
Silina stated on social media that day: "Andris Sprudz has lost my trust and the trust of society, so I have decided to ask for his resignation." Silina also announced the invitation of Raivis Melniks to serve as Defense Minister, and the latter has accepted the invitation. Sprudz subsequently held a press conference to announce his resignation.
According to information from the Latvian Prime Minister's Office website, Raivis Melniks has served in the Latvian National Guard since 1998, has received military education in London, and is currently serving as the Latvian Defense Ministry's representative in Ukraine.
In the early hours of the 7th, several drones entered Latvian airspace from Russia, two of which crashed into an oil storage facility in Rezekne, causing damage. Afterwards, the Latvian defense department faced criticism for its slow response to the incident. Opposition members of the Latvian parliament proposed a motion of no confidence against Sprudz, demanding his resignation.
Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina dismissed Defense Minister Andris Sprudzs on May 10, 2023, citing inadequate response to drone incidents. Multiple drones from Russia entered Latvian airspace, with two crashing into a fuel storage facility in Rezekne. Raivis Meirins has been appointed as the new Defense Minister. Opposition members had previously called for Sprudzs' resignation due to the slow response to the incidents.
- Latvian Prime Minister dismissed Defense Minister Andris Sprudzs on May 10, 2023.
- The dismissal was due to a slow response to drone incidents.
- Multiple drones entered Latvian airspace from Russia, with two crashing into a fuel storage facility in Rezekne.
- The new Defense Minister is Raivis Meirins, who has military education and experience.
- Opposition members in the Latvian parliament called for Sprudzs' resignation.