Political fights abound as government teeters after walkout

RIGA - Latvian Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis has lashed out at what he calls attempts by opposition politicians to "topple the government" following the instability created by the People's Party walkout.

The prime minister said recent attempts to push through legislation reducing the number of ministries in the country amounted to an attack on the incumbent government. He said the plan had not been discussed with the ruling coalition.

"Any attempt to push through a plan for cutting the number of ministries without discussing this with the coalition and the head of the government is a direct and unmistakable attempt to topple the government," Dombrovskis was reported as saying by national news agency LETA.

The leaders of Latvia's First Party/Latvia's Way (LPP/LC) and Harmony Center today agreed to submit proposals to the Saeima reducing the number of ministries, LPP/LC Chairman Ainars Slesers told journalists.

LPP/LC has also been in talks with the government over taking a place in the ruling coalition to replace the People's Party. It is due to announce its decision on the matter in mid-April.

As reported, the People's Party -- Latvia's largest political party -- has announced that it will pull out of the ruling coalition, causing significant political instability ahead of national elections later this year. It's ministers have already submitted their letters of resignation.