Lithuanian Democrats push for swift legal clarity on Skvernelis’ future

The opposition Democratic Union “For Lithuania” faction in the Seimas is urging law enforcement to accelerate their investigation into party leader Saulius Skvernelis, calling the timeline “critically important” ahead of next year’s municipal elections, LRT reports.

Speaking to Žinių Radijas on Friday, faction head Lukas Savickas said the party needs answers “as soon as possible” to resolve uncertainty over Skvernelis’ political future. “The institutions themselves, by taking procedural steps over a month ago, created an expectation that clarity should come quickly,” he said. “Our hope is to learn the outcome as soon as possible—perhaps this will mark the end of the story.”

Skvernelis, a former prime minister, is currently a special witness in a corruption probe by the State Plant Service involving his ex-adviser Agnė Silickienė. Savickas previously stated that if prosecutors move to strip Skvernelis of his legal immunity and file charges, party rules would require him to suspend his membership—automatically ending his tenure as leader.

“Once we have those answers, we can return to normal work,” Savickas said. “Today, I’m glad that our party has more than one strong politician continuing their activities and commenting on current affairs.”

Municipal council and mayoral elections are scheduled for spring 2027.

No shift in Belarus regime’s stance, warns Savickas
In separate remarks, Savickas dismissed suggestions that Minsk’s hybrid threats against Lithuania have eased, calling claims of improved relations “misleading.” He cited continued attacks, including migrant smuggling and the temporary detention of Lithuanian train drivers, as proof the regime’s policy remains unchanged.

He also criticised what he described as growing inconsistency in Lithuania’s foreign policy, warning that mixed signals to partners risk undermining long-term interests. “Lithuania’s core interest has always been a unified policy with our allies, especially EU states,” he said. “Any wavering or sudden shifts in foreign policy create long-term damage.”

His comments follow a call by US special envoy John Coale for Lithuania to resume dialogue with Minsk, including restarting transit of Belarusian potash fertilizers—a proposal President Gitanas Nausėda has tied to concrete steps by Belarus to normalise relations.