The collapse of a supermarket roof in the Republic of Latvia's capital Riga, which killed 54 people, has forced the resignation of Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis.

"I announce resigning from the post of Prime Minister, taking political responsibility for ... the tragedy," said Mr Dombrovskis, according to a BNS, a local news agency. Martins Panke, the Prime Minister's spokesman, confirmed the resignation.

On Nov 21, the roof of the 500-square metre Maxima supermarket in Riga collapsed. Various reports insinuated that it might have given away because of the garden currently being constructed on a sizeable portion of the roof. Observers said that the construction was against regulations, as many strongly believed this to be the cause of the roof's collapse.

Video Source: YouTube/ BBCWorldNewsWatch

"Considering the tragedy and all related circumstances... a new government is needed that has the clear support of parliament," Mr Dombrovskis told reporters.

Building and construction experts earlier said the supermarket building may have been badly designed, and this is why it was unable to support the construction of the garden on the roof. An unidentified structural engineer quoted by the BBC said the roof's supporting beams does not even have sufficient bolts to ensure its stability.

Mr Dombrovskis has been Latvia's longest-serving premier so far, taking office since 2009. Although credited from saving the small Baltic country from going bankrupt, he had been strongly criticised on his decisions, such as making harsh budget cuts and tax increases.

The resignation of Mr Dombrovskis puts the Baltic state into turmoil, just when it is due to join the Eurozone on Jan 1. It will become the 18th EU state to adopt the single currency Euro.

President Andris Berzins, who had called the disaster as "murder", will now be forced to appoint a new government.

"It is absolutely unclear who could succeed Dombrovskis, because he has dominated the political stage to such an extent that there is no number two," said Daunis Auers, a professor of political science at the University of Latvia, as reported by Reuters.

The replacement, whoever it may be, "basically will (just) continue the policies of the past couple of years. They will be pro-market, pro-European and be for a balanced budget," Mr Auers said.