Skvernelis considers running in elections despite ankle monitor, colleagues remain skeptical

Saulius Skvernelis, a Lithuanian MP facing corruption allegations, has suggested he may participate in upcoming elections despite being required to wear an ankle monitor as a precautionary measure, LRT reports.

Skvernelis, accused of accepting a €51,000 bribe while serving as Speaker of the Seimas (parliament), denies the charges. He claims the ankle monitor disrupts his duties, forcing him to leave the parliamentary chamber every 10 minutes due to poor signal reception. “This measure is designed to break me, but it only motivates me to act differently,” he told lawmakers.

This is the first time a Seimas member has been ordered to wear an ankle monitor. Skvernelis, a member of the National Security and Defence Committee (NSGK), argues the measure is disproportionate, as it prevents him from accessing classified information in secure rooms where electronic devices are banned. Committee chair Rimantas Sinkevičius confirmed that Skvernelis still has clearance to work with classified data.

Previously, Skvernelis had indicated the allegations marked the end of his political career. Now, he does not rule out running in the 2027 municipal elections or the 2028 parliamentary elections. “I was the most popular politician in December. Now I’m the least popular,” he said, suggesting the case may be an attempt to remove him as a potential 2029 presidential candidate.

Colleagues are divided on his political future. Liberal Movement MP Eugenijus Gentvilas called his optimism about returning to politics “excessive.” Meanwhile, Remigijus Žemaitaitis of the “Nemuno aušra” party saw no issue, noting that others have returned to politics after similar setbacks. Fellow MP Dainius Gaižauskas was more cautious, saying the current situation is difficult to assess.

Skvernelis’ former advisor Agnė Silickienė and ex-MP Kazys Starkevičius are among others charged in the same case, with Silickienė also ordered to wear an ankle monitor.