Lithuania has been plunged into political uncertainty after Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas and his entire cabinet resigned on Monday, following a week of mounting political pressure and controversy.

The announcement came during an extraordinary government meeting in Vilnius, where Paluckas formally declared his intention to step down as both Prime Minister and leader of the ruling Lithuanian Social Democratic Party (LSDP).

“Having decided to resign as Prime Minister, I announce the resignation of the 19th Government of Lithuania,” Paluckas told ministers at the start of the emergency session. He expressed gratitude to his cabinet colleagues for their cooperation during his tenure.

Paluckas is expected to submit his resignation to President Gitanas Nausėda later on Monday, as required by law. The president is anticipated to accept the resignation by formal decree and will appoint the outgoing cabinet to serve in a caretaker capacity until a new government is formed.

Under the Lithuanian constitution, Nausėda has 15 days to nominate a new prime minister. The candidate must be approved by the Seimas, Lithuania’s parliament. The ruling Social Democratic Party, which holds the largest number of seats, will discuss potential candidates at a party leadership meeting scheduled for Wednesday.

Paluckas had signalled his intention to resign last Thursday, amid investigations into his financial activities, alleged improper business ties, and unpaid compensation linked to the Vilnius municipality. He has denied any wrongdoing, characterising the allegations as a “coordinated attack” by political rivals.

The resignations have triggered fresh uncertainty in Vilnius, with attention now turning to the Social Democrats’ leadership discussions and the president’s next steps in appointing a successor. (ILKHA)