In a dramatic turn of events, Lithuanian Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas has resigned from office following a wave of public protests and an intensifying investigation into his business and financial dealings.
President Gitanas Nausėda confirmed Paluckas’ resignation during a press briefing in Vilnius, stating that the prime minister tendered his resignation under mounting pressure from the public and opposition lawmakers. The Prime Minister’s spokesperson has declined to comment.
Paluckas, a prominent figure in the centre-left Social Democratic Party, assumed office late last year after his party led a coalition to victory in the October 2024 parliamentary elections. His resignation now threatens the collapse of the coalition government, raising concerns over potential political instability, especially with Russia’s joint military drills with Belarus looming in the coming weeks.
The embattled leader had faced growing scrutiny after a string of damning media investigations uncovered alleged misconduct tied to both his past and present business interests—some dating back more than a decade. In particular, Paluckas was linked to a controversial case known as the “rat poison scandal” from 2012, when he served as Vilnius' municipal administration director.
According to reports, Lithuania’s highest court found that he had unlawfully favoured a company that submitted the highest bid during the rat extermination services contract process. He was convicted of misconduct and handed a two-year prison sentence, which was suspended for one year. However, records now reveal that he failed to pay a significant portion of a €16,500 ($19,039) fine related to the case, further fuelling public outrage.
The corruption allegations and revelations sparked widespread street protests and calls for accountability, forcing anti-corruption agencies and law enforcement to formally open investigations. Opposition parties also began impeachment proceedings, prompting Paluckas to step down before a possible parliamentary vote.
Despite the backlash, Paluckas has strongly denied any wrongdoing, describing the allegations as a “coordinated political attack” aimed at undermining his government.
As Lithuania braces for a turbulent political transition, talks to form a new coalition are expected to begin shortly.
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