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Riga, Latvia – Concerns are mounting over the stability of Latvia’s governing coalition, with a leading politician suggesting a technical government could accept over if Prime Minister Evika Siliņa’s current administration falls. Augusts Brigmanis, a Saeima deputy representing the Zaļo un Zemnieku savienība (ZZS), stated on Tuesday that forming a new government before the next Saeima elections is unlikely, and if a collapse were to occur, a technical government – comprised of the existing prime minister and ministers – would remain in place until voters head to the polls.
The remarks, made during an interview with LTV’s “Rīta panorāma,” highlight the fragility of the current coalition and raise questions about its ability to effectively govern. Brigmanis’s assessment suggests that replacing the government is not currently a priority for the coalition partners, but the possibility of demanding Siliņa’s resignation has not been ruled out by the ZZS, though the grounds for such a demand remain unspecified. This comes amid growing scrutiny of the ZZS itself, particularly regarding a case involving the timber industry.
Brigmanis characterized the criticism leveled against ZZS in the timber industry case as “petty retaliation,” arguing that any alleged financial losses to the state are minimal when compared to other large-scale projects. He specifically cited the “Rail Baltica” project and high construction costs at the Pauls Stradiņš Clinical University Hospital as examples of projects with significantly larger financial implications, attributing responsibility for the former to the Progresīvie party and the latter to Jaunā Vienotība. Bnn-news.com reported on these statements Tuesday.
Coalition Challenges and Potential Resignation Demands
The ZZS’s position within the coalition appears increasingly strategic. Brigmanis acknowledged that the party’s participation in the current government is “partly” a political calculation, hinting at a willingness to leverage its position for concessions. He further suggested that if a ZZS minister were to be dismissed, the party might respond by seeking the resignation of other ministers – a tactic described as “picking the cherries” in government. This underscores the delicate balance of power within the coalition and the potential for further instability.
These statements align with earlier reports indicating difficulties within the ruling coalition. BB.lv reported in October 2025 that the coalition lacks a consistent majority in the Saeima, frequently struggling to gather enough votes for parliamentary sessions. Veteran Latvian politician Augusts Brigmanis confirmed this, stating, “The problem is that the coalition simply does not have the votes in the Saeima.”
ZZS and the Future of the Siliņa Government
The possibility of a change in leadership is similarly on the table, according to Brigmanis. He indicated that if the current coalition were to expand by adding a new partner, Prime Minister Evika Siliņa would likely no longer hold the position. Nra.lv reported on this assessment in February 2025, suggesting a significant shift in the political landscape could be imminent.
Augusts Brigmanis has been a consistent voice in Latvian politics for decades. According to his Wikipedia page, he was born in 1952 and has served as a Saeima deputy for six terms, currently representing the Zaļo un Zemnieku savienība. He previously served as the chairman of the Latvian Farmers’ Union from 2000 to 2019.
The coming months will be crucial for the Latvian government. While a technical government led by the current prime minister appears to be the most likely outcome in the event of a collapse, the potential for political maneuvering and demands for resignation could further destabilize the situation. The next Saeima elections will ultimately determine the future direction of the country, but the current coalition’s ability to maintain stability until then remains uncertain.
What comes next will depend heavily on the coalition’s ability to address internal disagreements and maintain a working majority in the Saeima. The upcoming budget considerations in parliament will serve as a key test of the government’s strength and unity. Share your thoughts on the potential for political change in Latvia in the comments below.
