Lithuania’s Central Electoral Commission launches new probe into Nemuno Aušra party funding

The Central Electoral Commission of Lithuania (VRK) has opened another investigation into alleged illegal financing of the political party Nemuno Aušra through membership fees in 2024, public broadcaster LRT reports.

Speaking to the Verslo žinios news outlet, VRK Chair Lina Petronienė confirmed that the probe, launched in late January, focuses on potential violations including third-party funding. The investigation is being conducted jointly with law enforcement agencies.

“As far as I know, staff are currently drafting an assessment, but we are still awaiting permission to review pre-trial investigation materials,” Petronienė said. “We are also clarifying how much of that material VRK can use for its own inquiry.”

Findings are expected in the coming months. “Once all details are clarified, the report will be finalised and presented at a VRK meeting—likely in May, though possibly April,” she added.

The latest probe follows a separate VRK ruling last week that Nemuno Aušra violated financial accounting laws by transferring nearly €50,000 to party members Remigijus Žemaitaitis and Daiva Petkevičienė for car rentals. The commission found that state budget funds were misused and financial reports contained inaccuracies.

As a result, the party risks losing its state subsidy—a decision to be considered during this Thursday’s allocation meeting. Žemaitaitis and Petkevičienė have been ordered to return the funds (€26,776.45 and €15,349.11 respectively) to the party’s account. Žemaitaitis has stated he intends to appeal the VRK’s decision.