Lithuania’s ruling party found in serious violation over leader’s car rental scheme

The Central Electoral Commission of Lithuania (VRK) ruled on Thursday that the governing Nemuno Aušra party committed a “serious violation” of political financing laws by misusing state funds to rent vehicles from its own leader, Remigijus Žemaitaitis, and a party member, LRT reports.

The unanimous decision by all 11 commission members present could result in the party temporarily losing access to state subsidies, which amounted to €483,700 in the second half of last year. Žemaitaitis and fellow party member Daiva Petkevičienė must also repay roughly €42,000 in rental fees to the party’s account.

According to the VRK, the party failed to justify the expenses, provide documentation for how rental prices were calculated, and improperly transferred state funds to its members. The commission also found that the same vehicle was simultaneously used for Žemaitaitis’ parliamentary duties, party activities, and his presidential campaign—all while being billed to the party.

Žemaitaitis, who plans to appeal the ruling, was ordered to ensure all future party transactions are properly documented. The VRK will notify the Special Investigation Service, Prosecutor General’s Office, and State Tax Inspectorate of the violations. Additionally, the commission proposed amending Žemaitaitis’ declared presidential campaign expenses to include €1,300 for car rental during the election period, classifying it as an in-kind donation from himself.

The investigation followed an audit triggered by whistleblower reports, including from the civic initiative Viešpirkiai, which revealed in February that Žemaitaitis had leased his car to the party for over €3,100 per month under a contract signed in January.

VRK Chair Lina Petronienė criticised the arrangement as a conflict of interest, stating: “The problem is that these expenses are completely unjustified, raising serious concerns about transparency—especially when contracts involve the party’s chairman and a board member. Political parties should uphold the highest standards.”

Records showed Žemaitaitis used parliamentary funds to cover fuel costs while also billing the party for the same vehicle’s use in campaign travel, including 106 meetings with voters during his presidential bid.

“It just so happens that you’re the party chairman, a member of parliament, and a candidate all at once,” Žemaitaitis acknowledged in response to the findings.