Latvia coalition government falls

Repse had been under pressure from coalition partners for months

The government of the Baltic republic of Latvia has resigned, a week after one of the parties in the governing coalition withdrew its support.

Prime Minister Einars Repse announced the decision after a meeting of his New Era party, saying the "agony of the state" should not be prolonged.

His party had been left no choice, having only 26 seats out of the 100 in parliament, he said.

The former Soviet state is one of 10 countries due to join the EU in May.

The Latvian Government has been strained for several months over allegations of mismanagement.

Under the Latvian constitution the government will continue to work until a new cabinet is appointed.