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Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda has appointed Finance Minister Rimantas Šadžius to serve as acting prime minister following the resignation of Gintautas Paluckas. Šadžius will lead the government temporarily until a new cabinet is officially formed.
Paluckas stepped down after coming under pressure over a business arrangement involving a company he co-owns and another firm tied to a family member. The deal, funded by a state agency, raised concerns over transparency and possible conflicts of interest. While denying any wrongdoing, Paluckas acknowledged that past issues had undermined his administration, prompting his decision to resign swiftly and decisively.
The president issued a formal decree confirming Šadžius’s interim appointment. The new government will require approval from parliament, which reconvenes on September 10 after its summer recess.
The Social Democrats, currently the largest party in parliament with 52 of 141 seats, are expected to nominate the next candidate for prime minister. However, without a majority, they will need support from their coalition partners—For Lithuania and Nemunas Dawn—two groups that often disagree on policy and strategy.
Tensions within the coalition reached a peak on July 30 when For Lithuania threatened to withdraw from the alliance unless Paluckas resigned, calling his position no longer sustainable.
Paluckas’ departure marks the latest in a series of political challenges for the ruling bloc as it seeks to maintain stability and unity heading into the autumn legislative session.
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