The Lithuanian Prime Minister Gintatus Palakas resigned on Thursday amid increasing pressure on the investigation of his business behavior, which provoked public protests in the capital and demanded that he leaves the post.
Palakus, a member of the Social Democratic Party, took over at the end of the year after helping for forming a three-party coalition government after the October Parliamentary elections. President Gitanas Naud announced the resignation of Palkas to the media on Thursday morning, in which Palakas later explained his reasons.
What did Palakas say?
Palukas said in a statement, “I had informed the President about an hour ago that I had decided to resign from my duties as Prime Minister.”
“Despite my decision to quit my current duties, I will continue to defend my respect and dignity and I am waiting for the conclusions of the investigation, which I am sure that the facts will separate the rebellion,” he said.
What is the allegation of Lithuania PM?
Several news outlets published the report in July, in which alleged misconducts associated with both past and current ventures were expanded by Pelukus. The revelations motivated anti -corruption and law enforcement agencies to initiate a formal inquiry.
A major setback for its credibility, it was revealed that Palakas never gave part of € 16.500 ($ 19.039), known as the “Rat Poison Scam”.
Hey was convicted in 2012 for misusing his position, overseeing the Wilneyus Council Extermination Contracting Bids. The top court of Lithuania found that it had illegally favor the supreme bidder. Although two years of jail sentence, the term was suspended and was never jailed.
Paluk, the leader of the Social Democratic Party, has refused to do wrong in his business matters and called the investigation “coordinated attack” by political rivals.
Opposition MPs resigned before starting impeachment proceedings.
Earlier on Thursday, Lithuania’s investigating service service discovered the offices of Dakora, a company owned by Pelucus’ sister -in -law, stated the local media.
Dankora allegedly used the European Union funds to buy a battery system from Garris, partially owned by Paluckas Himelf.
The discovery first reports from Lithuanian investigative journalists, who revealed in May that Garison received a subsidized state loan, while Palakas were already serving as Prime Minister.
what happens next?
The entire cabinet of Lithuania is now expected to step down after the resignation of Palakas, with a combined military exercise for a few weeks, increasing the concerns of a leadership difference.
The coalition conversation to create a new cabinet is expected to begin soon.
Despite the shakeup, the country’s foreign policy is not expected to move. The independently elected President Naeda remains a major voice of Lithuania on the global stage and is one of the strongest Backers in Ukraine which was AGS.
Edited by: Elizabeth Shumacker
