Lithuanian Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas resigned today after an investigation into his past business dealings sparked public protests. Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda announced Paluckas’ resignation to the media this morning.
A spokesman for Paluckas did not respond to a request for comment.
Paluckas, the leader of the Social Democrats, took office late last year when a three-party coalition was formed after parliamentary elections in October.
His entire cabinet is expected to resign as well, which could leave the country without an effective government weeks before Russia begins joint military exercises with Belarus.
Lithuania’s foreign policy is unlikely to change as a result of the government reshuffle.
The media reported in July the results of an investigation into the prime minister’s past business dealings and alleged abuses.
The relevant state institutions have since launched investigations.
Media reports also revealed that Paluckas never paid most of the €16,500 fine, related to a 2012 criminal case.
Paluckas was convicted of mismanaging a tender for rat extermination services in Vilnius while he was the director of the capital’s municipal administration. In 2012, judges at the country’s highest court ruled that he had abused his official position by illegally granting privileges to the company that offered the highest price.
He was also sentenced to two years in prison, but the sentence was suspended for one year and he ultimately did not serve it.
The leader of the Social Democratic Party denied any wrongdoing in connection with his previous jobs, calling the criticism part of a “coordinated attack” by political opponents.
He resigned before the opposition could formally launch impeachment proceedings. New coalition talks to form a new government are expected to begin soon.
