RIGA, July 11 (LETA) - The Union of Greens and Farmers have managed to collect the necessary number of MPs' signatures to press ahead with their motion of no-confidence in Transport Minister Talis Linkaits (Conservatives). 

Besides seven lawmakers representing Greens/Farmers, the petition has also been signed by MP Ramona Petravica (Latvia First), MP Karins Sprude (For Him and Her) and non-partisan MP Romans Naudins. 

As reported, opposition MPs started collecting signatures to call a vote of no confidence in Transport Minister Talis Linkaits last Thursday.  Earlier last week, Greens/Farmers called for Linkaits to resign.

Greens/Farmers MPs claim that the minister has not been able to ensure the provision of efficient public transport services that meet the needs of the population on regional bus routes. MP Viktors Valainis said that information had been received from a number of municipalities about the residents' dissatisfaction with the availability of public transport.

Linkaits' resignation has also been requested by the Vidzeme Planning Region, the Latvian Public Services and Transport Workers' Union and the Latvian Passenger Transport Association.