Saulius Skvernelis denies receiving €51,000 bribe in corruption investigation

Former leader of the Democrats’ Union “For Lithuania” Saulius Skvernelis has denied allegations that he received a €51,000 bribe through an intermediary, calling the corruption accusations against him baseless, LRT.lt reports.

Prosecutors suspect Skvernelis of indirectly accepting bribes from officials at the State Plant Service in exchange for political favours between January and May 2025. Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, Skvernelis stated he had “never agreed, promised, or supported—directly or indirectly—any criminal activity.”

“I can clearly state that I never negotiated with anyone, never promised anything, and never approved any agreements—whether directly, indirectly, or through intermediaries—for criminal acts,” he said.

Skvernelis also denied receiving the €51,000 sum mentioned in prosecutors’ statements, insisting no such payment was made. He added that the Seimas, where he served as a lawmaker, has no authority over executive agencies like the Plant Service.

When asked about potential favours to the agency or its former head, Jurijus Kornijenka, Skvernelis replied: “Neither the Seimas nor its members evaluate civil service performance.” He stressed that agricultural policy was not his responsibility, as the Ministry of Agriculture was controlled by the “Nemuno Aušra” party in both coalition governments.

Skvernelis confirmed he had no contact with any individuals named in the case except his former advisor, Agnė Silickienė. He also announced the end of his political career, stating: “That’s it—there will be no more of me in politics.”

The corruption investigation follows claims that Skvernelis, through Silickienė, allegedly accepted a bribe exceeding €22,500 (2250 minimum monthly wages) in exchange for political influence. Prosecutors have requested the Seimas lift his parliamentary immunity, a process Skvernelis said he would not oppose to simplify proceedings.

On the same day the allegations surfaced, Skvernelis suspended his party membership and later joined the Mixed Group of Seimas members. He has not resigned his parliamentary seat.

Prosecutors have charged 15 individuals in the case, including former Seimas member Kazys Starkevičius, who has been questioned as a suspect and barred from leaving the country.