Experts Fault Prime Minister for Delayed Sprūds Dismissal, Warn Coalition Collapse

TL;DR: Political scientists say the prime minister must own the delayed removal of Defense Minister Andris Sprūds and warn the coalition may already be broken.

The resignation of Defense Minister Andris Sprūds has ignited a fresh scandal in the government. The controversy centers on why the prime minister waited to dismiss Sprūds, a decision now described as a catalyst for the coalition’s possible collapse.

Renowned political scientist Jurgis Liepnieks posted on X that the prime minister “must take responsibility… for not having dismissed Sprūds much earlier.” He added that Sprūds’ resignation appeared driven by the expectation of removal from the Saeima, Latvia’s parliament, rather than any principled stance. Liepnieks argued the prime minister failed to keep the armed forces insulated from political maneuvering, despite having the budget and political capital to do so.

Iveta Kažoka, speaking to Latvian Radio, echoed the severity of the situation. She suggested the timing of the dismissal points to either a personal rift or a strategic move to push the entire party out of the coalition. Kažoka concluded that “it seems the coalition has come to an end,” linking the minister’s ouster to broader governmental instability.

The core fact remains: the scandal concerns the dismissal of Defense Minister Andris Sprūds. Experts agree the prime minister’s hesitation to act earlier has eroded public trust and exposed the coalition to internal fractures. The delayed action is seen not merely as a personnel issue but as a signal of deeper strategic miscalculations.

What it means for the government is twofold. First, the prime minister faces mounting pressure to publicly accept responsibility, a step that could either restore credibility or deepen the crisis. Second, if the coalition indeed collapses, a new parliamentary alignment may emerge, potentially reshaping policy priorities, especially in defense spending and procurement of drone technology.

Watch for the prime minister’s next statement and any formal motions in the Saeima that could confirm the coalition’s status.