Lithuanian Prime Minister Paluckas Resigns Amid Corruption Probe and Public Protests
Lithuanian Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas has resigned following mounting public protests and an ongoing corruption investigation into his business activities.
The resignation was announced by President Gitanas Nausėda during a press briefing in Vilnius on Thursday. The president confirmed that Paluckas submitted his resignation amid growing pressure from opposition lawmakers and widespread dissatisfaction among citizens.
Paluckas, a key figure in the centre-left Social Democratic Party, had only assumed office late last year after leading his party to a coalition victory in the October parliamentary elections. His sudden departure casts uncertainty over the government’s future and raises concerns about possible political instability, especially as Lithuania prepares for joint military exercises with neighbouring Belarus.
The embattled leader came under intense scrutiny after several media outlets published reports in July exposing alleged misconduct in both his past and current business dealings. These revelations prompted Lithuania’s anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies to open formal investigations.
Among the most damaging disclosures was Paluckas’ unresolved involvement in the so-called “rat poison scandal” of 2012. He had been fined €16,500 (\$19,039) and found guilty of manipulating a bidding process while serving as municipal administration director in Vilnius. Though sentenced to two years in prison, the sentence was suspended for one year and he ultimately served no jail time.
Paluckas has denied any wrongdoing, dismissing the allegations as a politically motivated smear campaign. Nevertheless, his resignation comes just as opposition lawmakers were preparing to initiate impeachment proceedings. Talks to form a new coalition government are now underway.
