Latvian Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis, short of a parliamentary majority after a coalition partner quit, said he was ready to lead a minority cabinet but would also hold talks to woo a new partner.

Latvia holds elections in October and is the midst of a difficult International Monetary Fund and European Union bailout programme which will require decisions on budget cuts.

"I am ready to lead a minority government, negotiate with parties represented in parliament about possible cooperation models and that will be on the agenda in the next few days," Dombrovskis told reporters.

Reuters