Prime Minister of Latvia Resigns as Supermarket Collapse kills 54 People

The Prime Minister of Latvia has just announced his resignation. Valdis Dombrovskis' unexpected announcement, which automatically triggers the fall of the entire center-right government, followed his meeting with President Andris Berzins. His resignation is stirred out of a tragedy that struck Latvia last week. A supermarket roof collapsed which led to the death of 54 people.

"Considering the tragedy and all related circumstances... a new government is needed that has the clear support of parliament," Mr Dombrovskis told reporters.

The collapsed building

President Berzins earlier described the disaster as "murder" and called for foreign experts to investigate what had happened.

Dombrovskis came to power in 2009 as Latvia's economy was sinking into a deep recession and was charged with leading harsh budget cuts and tax increases while at the same time implementing tough structural reforms demanded by international organizations such as the International Monetary Fund.

Dombrovskis was re-appointed twice as prime minister since then, and is widely credited with preventing the small Baltic nation from going bankrupt.

It is quite unfortunate that he will leave office this way. According to reports I have read, he has done very well as a Prime minister. He is indeed the longest serving Prime minster the nation has had.

I wish Latvia all the best as they deal with this tragedy, and the families of a deceased the fortitude to bear the loss.