Former Lithuanian PM Skvernelis claims expulsion from party faction after corruption allegations

Former prime minister Saulius Skvernelis has stated he was effectively expelled from the Democratic Union “For Lithuania” parliamentary faction, calling the move a “serious blow,” LRT reports. The development follows calls from interim party leader Virginijus Sinkevičius for Skvernelis to leave the faction amid an ongoing pre-trial investigation into bribery allegations.

Skvernelis told reporters he would comply with the demand to leave the faction, though he insisted he had not yet made a formal decision. “If that is the will of my colleagues, I will take that step tomorrow,” he said, adding he would join the mixed parliamentary group—a non-affiliated bloc in the Seimas.

The former prime minister, who suspended his party membership last week, described the public pressure to resign from the faction as premature. “I haven’t even been formally charged yet,” he said. “This feels like a serious blow, but what can you do—such is life.”

His comments come after Lithuania’s Prosecutor General Nida Grunskienė formally requested the Seimas strip Skvernelis of his legal immunity, a necessary step to bring bribery charges. Prosecutors allege Skvernelis accepted at least €51,000 in cash bribes in exchange for political favors linked to his former role overseeing the State Plant Service.

The Seimas must approve the immunity waiver with at least 71 votes. Skvernelis has said he will not oppose the procedure, urging lawmakers to support the motion. “I will ask them to vote in favor,” he stated.

Sinkevičius had previously emphasized that while the party upholds the presumption of innocence, Skvernelis’s continued presence in the faction during an active corruption probe was “not appropriate.” Other faction members, however, had initially expressed support for Skvernelis last week, citing the principle of innocence until proven guilty.

Skvernelis noted the shift in stance over the weekend, saying, “The presumption of innocence ended after the weekend—suddenly, everyone has already convicted me.” He contrasted his situation with that of other lawmakers facing charges or even convictions who remain in their factions.

The case centers on allegations that Skvernelis, while serving in government, accepted bribes to influence decisions related to agricultural regulations. He has not publicly addressed the specifics of the accusations.