Coalition partner calls for talks after raids on “Aušriečiai” politicians

The leader of the Lithuanian Farmers and Greens Union (LVŽS), Aurelijus Veryga, has criticised raids conducted by financial crime investigators at the offices of the “Aušriečiai” faction and called for the issue to be discussed within the ruling coalition, LRT reports.

Lithuania’s Financial Crime Investigation Service (FNTT) carried out searches on Wednesday at the Seimas offices of “Aušriečiai” leader Remigijus Žemaitaitis and his deputy Daiva Petkevičienė, as well as at the party’s headquarters and their private residences. The action is part of a pre-trial investigation into suspected fraud involving the rental of cars to the party.

Veryga described the situation as “bad,” noting that any case where law enforcement conducts searches on politicians raises concerns. “If there are suspicions against them, it’s always bad—whether it involves coalition partners or not,” he told the ELTA news agency.

He added that coalition partners would seek answers, though it remains unclear how much those under investigation could disclose. “Explanations are needed, and the public is waiting. Naturally, it’s important for coalition partners to know as much as possible,” Veryga said.

The FNTT confirmed the raids are linked to an ongoing probe into whether Seimas members improperly rented vehicles to their party using state funds. The investigation began in early March following reports from whistleblowers. No formal charges have yet been filed.

Earlier, the Central Electoral Commission (VRK) ruled in March that “Nemuno aušra” had misused 49,500 euros in state funding by renting cars from Žemaitaitis and Petkevičienė without proper justification. The VRK classified the violations as “gross” and reduced the party’s six-month subsidy by 240,000 euros. Both politicians were ordered to repay a combined 42,000 euros to the party, a decision they are appealing in court.

A car rental agreement between Žemaitaitis and his party, worth 31,500 euros, was signed in January 2024 but only published later by the civic initiative “Viešpirkiai” (Public Procurements). The contract, valid until November 2024, listed the party as the buyer and Žemaitaitis as the provider.