Latvia's Prime Minister Evika Silina has decided to resign after several days of rapidly escalating conflict within the ruling coalition, LETA reports. The political crisis has effectively entered an open phase after the coalition members 'Progressives' called on the country's president to begin consultations on forming a new government. The party stated that the current cabinet of ministers has lost its effectiveness, and further developments are possible only under two scenarios — either the resignation of the prime minister or a vote of confidence in the government in the Saeima. Just the day before, Silina, after a meeting with the 'Progressives', said that she had offered her partners to continue cooperation. However, it was already clear then that the coalition was on the verge of collapse. An additional blow to the government was dealt by the position of the Union of Greens and Farmers. The ZZS openly stated that after the 'Progressives' decision, Silina's government had effectively already fallen, and it would be more beneficial for the country to form a new cabinet of ministers. The crisis sharply escalated after events surrounding Defense Minister Andris Sprudns. The trigger was incidents involving combat drones in Latgale. After that, Silina announced her intention to relieve Sprudns of his duties, citing a loss of trust and problems in the sector. The defense minister himself simultaneously announced his resignation, stating that he takes political responsibility and wants to avoid dragging the army into political conflicts. In fact, it was the story with the drones that became the point after which the accumulated contradictions within the coalition ceased to be hidden. Disagreements between partners had existed for a long time, but until now, the ruling parties had managed to negotiate and maintain the government. Now, Latvia enters a period of political uncertainty just five months before parliamentary elections. President Edgars Rinkēvičs will hold meetings with all factions of the Saeima on Friday to discuss further steps. He previously emphasized that the country needs an effective government with parliamentary support, despite the approaching elections. In the coming days, it will become clear whether there will be discussions about creating a new coalition government or if the country will be temporarily led by a technical cabinet of ministers.