Lithuanian politician Aurelijus Veryga expresses doubt over corruption allegations against Saulius Skvernelis

Lithuanian Farmers and Greens Union (LVŽS) leader Aurelijus Veryga has said he finds it “very difficult to believe” corruption allegations against fellow politician Saulius Skvernelis are credible, LRT reported Friday.

Veryga called the accusations against Skvernelis—a former leader of the Democrats “For Lithuania” party and current MP—”a huge blow” to both the politician and his party. “It would be very hard for me to believe that such accusations are real and that this truly happened,” he told the ELTA news agency. “But law enforcement is doing its job.”

Prosecutors are seeking to strip Skvernelis of his parliamentary immunity after accusing him of accepting a €51,000 bribe through his former advisor Agnė Silickienė in exchange for political favours. Skvernelis, who has temporarily suspended his party membership, denies wrongdoing and has not resigned his seat in the Seimas (parliament).

The case stems from a broader investigation into large-scale corruption at the State Plant Service, where officials allegedly demanded bribes from companies transporting plants and agricultural products in exchange for phytosanitary certificates. Fourteen people, including former agency director Jurijus Kornijenko and his deputy Mantas Butas, have been charged in connection with the scheme.

Veryga warned that such scandals further erode public trust in politics, noting Lithuania already suffers from low political engagement. “Any story like this damages trust in politicians and politics in general,” he said. “It won’t help encourage people to participate in party activities.”

Prosecutor General Nida Grunskienė formally requested Skvernelis’ immunity be lifted on Thursday, a procedural step required before charges can be filed. Skvernelis, who was reportedly codenamed “Krabas” (Crab) in the investigation, has said he will decide on waiving his immunity “in due course.”