Lithuania's Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas stepped down on Thursday following investigations into his business dealings that prompted protests in the Baltic country calling for his resignation.

Vilnius

Lithuania's Prime Minister Džintūrtas Palūkas has stepped down following an investigation into his business activities and growing public protests. Palūkas, who led the centre-left Social Democrats in a three-party coalition since late last year, has faced several scandals, including allegations of failing to pay part of a significant fine related to Vilnius' RAK extermination services.

His resignation is expected to result in the departure of his entire cabinet, potentially leaving Lithuania temporarily without an effective government. Palūkas has denied the allegations, describing them as a coordinated attack by political opponents. New coalition negotiations are anticipated to form a replacement government.

Lithuania's PM Gintautas Paluckas resigns amid corruption probe

Lithuania's Prime Minister Džintūrtas Palūkas stepped down on Thursday after an investigation into his business dealings and protests in the Baltic nation against him. Palūkas has been in government since late last year as the head of the centre-left Social Democrats in a three-party coalition. His entire cabinet is now expected to also resign, potentially leaving the country without an effective government. New coalition talks are expected soon. The former leader has faced multiple scandals over his business dealings. An investigation revealed he never paid part of a significant €16,500 fine for mishandling Vilnius' RAK extermination services. Palūkas has denied the allegations and labelled the criticism a coordinated attack by his political opponents.

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