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Latvian leader resigns over supermarket roof collapse that killed 54

Latvia's Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis (C) (Reuters)
Latvia’s prime minister has announced his resignation over a Riga supermarket collapse that killed more than 50 people last week.

"I announce resigning from the post of prime minister, taking political responsibility for ... the tragedy," Valdis Dombrovskis told journalists, according to local news agency BNS.


Dombrovskis has headed the country’s government since March 2009, making him the longest-serving prime minister in Latvia's history. 

"I wish to thank Latvia's society for support during the trying period when the country was battling the economic and financial crisis to return to the path of growth. I also apologize for all that we have failed to achieve," the PM said.


It is now for President Andris Berzins to either accept or reject the resignation. If he accepts it, Berzins will nominate an acting prime minister, who will be tasked with forming a new cabinet.  

"I wish to ask every person looking ahead to evaluate their responsibility and act accordingly,"
said President Berzins.  He has called on the National Security Council's meeting for December 4 to review matters concerning the disaster in Zolitude.

Prime minister's resignation also ends the mandate of his government, which faced criticism following the collapse.

The move also comes amid economic changes in Latvia - the country is due to join the eurozone in January, becoming the second Baltic nation to join the united currency club.

Fifty-four people have been killed and dozens injured after the roof of a large store collapsed in Latvia’s capital.

Following the tragedy Latvian President Andris Bеrzins called for an immediate investigation into what he called the “murder of unprotected people.”
 
Some 500 square meters of roof caved in at the store’s building on Thursday night.
The initial collapse in Riga’s densely populated area was followed by a second cave-in just as the first responders at the scene were helping the victims.

Three rescuers and firefighters were killed by the second collapse.

Berzins lashed out at the construction firm that was building a residential compound that included the store, saying that it was already trying to shun all responsibility for the collapse. 

Firefighters clear the debris outside the Maxima shopping mall in Riga (RIA Novosti)
Firefighters clear the debris outside the Maxima shopping mall in Riga (RIA Novosti)

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4 comments

  1. Civilised people with conscience. In this God forsaken country, let a whole state disappear, no nobody will accept responsibility. Everybody want to DIE in their office. Yet some MUMU will claim they are CULTURED, others will call themselves DEMOCRATS. God! What are U still WAITING for?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Until naija politician stop d politics of do or die we will never grow. Even if d whole of a geo-political zone is wiped out naija politicians will not shake for a second. No body in naija govt has ever taken responsibility for misharp rather they call it "an act of God" judgement day is coming but I stronly doubt if naija youths can wait for that day to come. Yeye leaders.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Latvia leader needs to talk to our shameless leaders in Africa, Nigeria in particular.
    Ask yourself fellow Nigerian, how many of our brothers and sisters were killed in Plane crashes in this country? Did you see any Minister (Looter) of Aviation resigned? Do you remember the crash that killed our Millitary Officers in Lagos years back? Did Defense Minister resign? Big shame!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thats how civilised people bahave. In Nigeria, we see people that want to continue to force themselves in power, even when their subject don't want them. USELESS COUNTRY! FUCKING RULERS!!

    ReplyDelete

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