Latvian President Valdis Zatlers announced on Saturday a dissolution of the country's parliament (Saeima), the country's TV and radio stations reported.
Zalters accused the parliament of lying and maintaining interests of oligarchs. Earlier Saeima rejected Latvian anti-corruption office to search a house of an MP Ainars Slesers, suspected of corrupt dealings.
He called it "an alarm that points to a split between the legislative and judicial branches of government."
Under the Latvian constitution a national referendum must vote on the issue. If it votes in favor of Zalters' decision then Saeima will be dissolved and elections will be scheduled. However, if it is not approved, the president must step down.
Latvia will hold presidential elections in early June. Latvians online said Zatlers described his decision "as radical and one that likely will ruin his chances for re-election."
RIGA, May 28 (RIA Novosti)
