Vilnius: In a significant political development, Lithuania's Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas has stepped down from office following intense pressure from within his governing coalition and amid allegations of ethical misconduct. The resignation comes after weeks of mounting controversy and growing calls for accountability from both political partners and the public.
The tipping point was an ultimatum issued by the junior coalition partner For Lithuania, which demanded the prime minister’s resignation by August 18 or threatened to withdraw from the ruling alliance. Their exit would have left the government without a working majority in the 141-seat Seimas (Lithuanian Parliament), effectively collapsing the coalition. Facing political isolation and escalating scrutiny, Paluckas submitted his resignation, triggering the automatic dissolution of his cabinet.
At the heart of the controversy are allegations surrounding a government-financed contract awarded to a company linked to Paluckas’ sister-in-law. Though he has consistently denied any wrongdoing, the association raised serious questions about a potential conflict of interest. Adding to the pressure was a past court conviction from 2012, tied to a public procurement scandal during his time as a municipal official in Vilnius though the sentence was suspended, public and political confidence eroded rapidly once the details resurfaced.
The resignation marks the end of Paluckas’ brief and turbulent tenure as prime minister. He assumed the role in late 2024 after leading the Social Democratic Party to electoral success and forming a coalition government. His leadership faced consistent challenges, especially from partners skeptical of his ability to manage both governance and internal reform.
Despite the political storm, Lithuania’s foreign policy stance remains unchanged. President Gitanas Nausėda continues to serve as the nation's chief foreign affairs representative, reaffirming Lithuania’s unwavering commitment to European Union principles, NATO defense obligations, and support for Ukraine in the ongoing regional crisis. The President has emphasized the need for political stability and swift transition to a new leadership framework.
In the coming days, coalition parties are expected to begin negotiations to nominate a successor and form a new government. While some view Paluckas’ resignation as a necessary corrective to protect democratic integrity, others fear the political vacuum could lead to increased instability at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions.
The resignation has also ignited a broader conversation in Lithuanian civil society about the importance of transparency, ethics in public service, and the role of coalition politics in democratic accountability. As the nation looks toward rebuilding trust in its leadership, the developments in Vilnius serve as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between power, governance, and public confidence.