Latest news with #GintautasPaluckas
New York Times
5 hours ago
- Politics
- New York Times
Lithuania's Prime Minister Steps Down Amid Pressure
Lithuania's prime minister, Gintautas Paluckas, stepped down on Thursday, yielding to growing pressure over his business dealings and those of his family. The resignation of Mr. Paluckas, who has led the Baltic country's government for less than a year, was announced by President Gitanas Nauseda. The prime minister also stepped down as leader of the Social Democrats, which came to power in November in a coalition government cobbled together to unseat the governing conservatives. Mr. Paluckas has been under investigation by the authorities, following reports in the Lithuanian media about him and his family. One report alleged that a company owned by his brother's wife, Virginija Paluckiene, had been improperly awarded European Union funding, and had then contracted a company owned by the prime minister. Lithuania's Financial Crimes Investigations Service on Thursday said it had raided a company that is owned by Ms. Paluckiene, but it did not name her in its statement. Investigators were looking into possible misuse of a loan and the fraudulent acquisition of E.U. financial support, the agency said in a statement. Officers detained one of the company's directors, and also searched the homes and vehicles of other executives, according to the statement. Mr. Paluckas has denied wrongdoing. A smaller party in his coalition, Democrats For Lithuania, on Wednesday threatened to quit the government if Mr. Paluckas did not resign over the allegations. The political uproar over the investigations into Mr. Paluckas has triggered renewed scrutiny on cases involving him from over a decade ago. In 2012, Lithuania's Supreme Court convicted him of orchestrating the purchase of rat poison at inflated prices for the capital city of Vilnius when he was its administrator. The court sentenced him to two years in prison, but suspended the sentence on condition that he pay damages to the municipality of 16,500 euros, or nearly $19,000. This year, a media report said he had failed to pay much of that amount. Mr. Paluckas admitted that he had not completed the payment, saying he had made an error. A law enforcement agency, the Special Investigation Service, began other investigations into Mr. Paluckas after several other media reports this spring and summer alleged he used his power as a city politician to improperly facilitate real estate projects in Vilnius. Mr. Paluckas' resignation triggered the resignation of his cabinet, in line with Lithuania's constitution, but the coalition government is expected to remain intact, and the Social Democrats will choose a new leader to become the next prime minister. Hours after the resignation of Mr. Paluckas on Thursday, the Social Democrats named an interim leader. The government's policies, especially its foreign and security policies are unlikely to change. In Lithuania, a small country that shares a border with Russia, antagonism toward its much larger neighbor has been a politically unifying force.
CTV News
6 hours ago
- Politics
- CTV News
Lithuania's prime minister steps down after investigations and protests
Lithuania's Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas speaks to the media at the Parliament in Vilnius, Lithuania, Nov. 21, 2024. (AP Photo/Mindaugas Kulbis, File) VILNIUS, Lithuania — Lithuanian Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas stepped down Thursday, following investigations into his business dealings that prompted protests calling for his resignation. Paluckas, a newly established leader of the center-left Social Democrats, ascended to the role late last year after a three-party coalition formed following a parliamentary election in October in Lithuania. His entire Cabinet is also expected to resign, potentially leaving the Baltic country without an effective government weeks before Russia holds joint military exercises with neighboring Belarus. 'Seeing how the scandals are hindering the work of the government, I believe that I cannot allow our ruling coalition and the Cabinet to become hostages to these scandals,' Paluckas wrote in a letter to Social Democratic party members. 'Therefore, I have decided to take a quick and decisive decision. 'I never cling to any position in life — and so I am open to all scenarios and decisions.' President Gitanas Nausėda announced Paluckas' resignation to the media on Thursday morning. Lithuanian foreign policy is unlikely to change as a result of the government shake-up. Nausėda, who was elected separately, is the country's face on the world stage and has been one of the most stalwart supporters of Ukraine's fight against invading Russian forces. Paluckas has recently been dogged by media investigations into his business and financial dealings. Several media outlets published investigations in July regarding Paluckas' past and present ventures and alleged mishandlings, including ones more than a decade ago. Anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies in the country subsequently launched their own inquiries. In a devastating blow to his reputation, the media also revealed that Paluckas never paid a significant part of a 16,500-euro (around $19,000) fine in connection with a 2012 criminal case dubbed the 'rat poison scandal.' Paluckas was convicted of mishandling the bidding process for Vilnius' rat extermination services while serving as the capital city's municipality administration director. In 2012, judges at Lithuania's top court ruled that he abused his official position by illegally granting privileges to the company that offered the highest price in the bid. He was also sentenced to two years behind bars, but the sentence was suspended for one year and he ultimately was never imprisoned. The Social Democratic party leader denied any wrongdoing regarding his business affairs, labeling the criticism as part of a 'coordinated attack' by political opponents. He resigned before the opposition could formally launch impeachment proceedings. New coalition talks are expected to start shortly to form a new Cabinet. Liudas Dapkus, The Associated Press
Barnama
7 hours ago
- Business
- Barnama
Lithuanian Prime Minister Paluckas Steps Down
RIGA (Latvia), July 31 (Bernama-dpa) - Lithuanian Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas said on Thursday he would step down amid growing pressure arising from allegations of conflicts of interest and nepotism, reported German Press Agency (dpa). "I have decided to resign from the office of prime minister," Paluckas announced in a statement, adding that he would submit his resignation to President Gitanas Nausėda shortly. Paluckas has increasingly come under fire due to allegations of dubious business dealings and faced calls for his resignation, including from one of the two coalition partners in his centre-left government. bootstrap slideshow Investigations are ongoing into past and present business dealings involving the 45-year-old, who, up until now, denied any conflicts of interest and dismissed the allegations as deliberate attacks by political opponents. Lithuanian media reported on Thursday that investigators had searched a company owned by Paluckas' sister-in-law. The company is alleged to have used European Union (EU) subsidies to purchase electric batteries from a company which is 49 per cent owned by Paluckas during his term as prime minister. In his statement, Paluckas said that he did not believe he had committed any serious wrongdoing during his term in office. However, he did not want to make the government and its work hostage to "scandals," he said. Paluckas, who also resigned as leader of the Social Democrats, had been prime minister of Lithuania since November 2024. Nausėda described his resignation as "the right decision."
Toronto Sun
7 hours ago
- Politics
- Toronto Sun
Lithuania's prime minister steps down after investigations and protests
Published Jul 31, 2025 • 2 minute read LLithuania's Social Democratic party member Gintautas Paluckas, nominated as the next Prime Minister, speaks during a Lithuania's parliament session in Vilnius, Lithuania, Nov. 21, 2024. Photo by Mindaugas Kulbis / AP VILNIUS, Lithuania (AP) — Lithuanian Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas stepped down Thursday, following investigations into his business dealings that prompted protests calling for his resignation. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Paluckas, a newly established leader of the center-left Social Democrats, ascended to the role late last year after a three-party coalition formed following a parliamentary election in October in Lithuania. His entire Cabinet is also expected to resign, potentially leaving the Baltic country without an effective government weeks before Russia holds joint military exercises with neighboring Belarus. 'Seeing how the scandals are hindering the work of the government, I believe that I cannot allow our ruling coalition and the Cabinet to become hostages to these scandals,' Paluckas wrote in a letter to Social Democratic party members. 'Therefore, I have decided to take a quick and decisive decision. 'I never cling to any position in life — and so I am open to all scenarios and decisions.' Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. President Gitanas Nausėda announced Paluckas' resignation to the media on Thursday morning. Lithuanian foreign policy is unlikely to change as a result of the government shake-up. Nausėda, who was elected separately, is the country's face on the world stage and has been one of the most stalwart supporters of Ukraine's fight against invading Russian forces. Paluckas has recently been dogged by media investigations into his business and financial dealings. Several media outlets published investigations in July regarding Paluckas' past and present ventures and alleged mishandlings, including ones more than a decade ago. Anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies in the country subsequently launched their own inquiries. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. In a devastating blow to his reputation, the media also revealed that Paluckas never paid a significant part of a 16,500-euro (around $19,000) fine in connection with a 2012 criminal case dubbed the 'rat poison scandal.' Paluckas was convicted of mishandling the bidding process for Vilnius' rat extermination services while serving as the capital city's municipality administration director. In 2012, judges at Lithuania's top court ruled that he abused his official position by illegally granting privileges to the company that offered the highest price in the bid. He was also sentenced to two years behind bars, but the sentence was suspended for one year and he ultimately was never imprisoned. The Social Democratic party leader denied any wrongdoing regarding his business affairs, labeling the criticism as part of a 'coordinated attack' by political opponents. He resigned before the opposition could formally launch impeachment proceedings. New coalition talks are expected to start shortly to form a new Cabinet. Toronto & GTA Celebrity Canada Canada Canada
UPI
7 hours ago
- Politics
- UPI
Lithuanian Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas resigns in face of corruption probe
Lithuanian Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas resigned Thursday amid a corruption probe. File Photo by Valda Kalnina/EPA July 31 (UPI) -- Lithuanian Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas resigned on Thursday following investigations of his unethical financial dealings that prompted protests. "Just over an hour ago, I informed the president that I have made the decision to resign from the position of prime minister," Palcukas said in a statement. "I also announce that I have decided to step down from my position as leader of the LSDP." His resignation is expected to trigger the fall of the Cabinet, as they are potentially leaving the country, leaving no government. Paluckas was given a two-week ultimatum following his scandal involving EU loans and questionable business ties linked to his relatives, which led to an investigation. "As prime minister, I do not feel that I have made any fundamental mistakes or violations. I have carried out my duties honestly, to the best of my understanding and ability," he said. The media had revealed that he never paid a fine of $18,000 in connection with a 2021 criminal case, "rat poison scandal." He was also sentenced to two years in prison, but never ended up spending any time behind bars. President Gitanas Nauseda said the coalition-building process is underway. "There is more than one candidate who could fully carry out the duties of prime minister," Nausėda said, adding that the next candidate will be fully investigated to avoid "another situation like this."
