Lithuanian Prime Minister Gintotas Paluckas stepped down on Thursday amid protests in the capital concerning an investigation into alleged business dealings. Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda shared with reporters that Paluckas informed him of his resignation earlier that morning, and he expressed support for the decision.
Nausėda recently urged Paluckas to make a decision about his future in two weeks. This resignation follows pressure from a smaller political party threatening to exit the ruling coalition if Paluckas didn’t resign.
The controversy gained traction after media began uncovering details regarding Paluckas’s business interactions, prompting investigations from anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies. Reports highlighted a case from over ten years ago that has resurfaced.
Paluckas previously faced scrutiny in 2012 due to unethical bidding practices related to pest control in Vilnius, leading to a fine that he reportedly did not fully pay. New allegations tie him to subsidized loans connected to his businesses, which are now under investigation by Lithuania’s highest ethics committee.
Additionally, public outcry forced another official to return EU funds linked to Paluckas, amid rising concerns over his financial conduct. Despite these accusations, Paluckas maintained his innocence, suggesting the criticisms stemmed from a coordinated effort by political adversaries.
His departure occurs just before joint military exercises between Russia and Belarus, placing Lithuania in a sensitive situation. The entire cabinet is expected to resign, potentially leaving a governance gap in the Baltic region, although Nausėda’s stance on foreign policy, especially regarding Ukraine, is likely to remain unaffected.
