MP accused of violating constitution by engaging in real estate business

Communication specialist Karolis Žukauskas has accused Robertas Puchovičius, a member of parliament and deputy chairman of the *Nemuno aušra* party, of violating Lithuania’s constitution by actively participating in his real estate businesses while serving as an MP, *LRT* reports.

In a post published Tuesday on his *Substack* platform, Žukauskas claimed Puchovičius visited a cottage development project near Lentvaris on April 9 while parliament was still in session. Security camera footage shared by Žukauskas allegedly shows the MP’s *Range Rover* leaving the site, developed by his company *FAMO Real Estate*. Žukauskas stated this was not an isolated incident, writing that he has video evidence of Puchovičius visiting the site on multiple days in March and April.

Žukauskas alleged that Puchovičius owns several real estate-related firms—*Tvari statyba*, *FAMO Real Estate*, *Constructionrk*, *Gelminta*, and *Lajota*—which frequently collaborate on projects, including construction, furnishing, and intercompany lending. A formerly associated company, *PK Projektai*, was previously led by Puchovičius’s brother.

According to Žukauskas, Puchovičius failed to withdraw from business operations after becoming an MP, as required by Article 60 of the constitution, which prohibits lawmakers from holding outside employment in state or private enterprises. “This means the MP may have violated the constitution and broken his oath of office,” Žukauskas wrote, adding that such actions could lead to impeachment and a 10-year ban from politics.

Puchovičius declared in his 2024 election filings that he held leadership roles in *FAMO Real Estate*, *Constructionrk*, *Gelminta*, and *Tvari statyba*, and served as a foreman at *Lajota*. He also reported retaining shares in some of these companies.

Žukauskas further claimed that while Puchovičius’s wife, Eva Puchovič, is formally listed as the current head of the construction firms, some project buyers have questioned whether emails signed in her name were actually written by the MP himself. Citing multiple sources, Žukauskas also suggested that workers in Puchovičius’s companies may be paid in cash. He stated he would refer the allegations to the State Tax Inspectorate and the Financial Crime Investigation Service.

Puchovičius dismissed the accusations in comments to *Delfi*, calling them “fantasies” and suggesting Žukauskas was seeking attention or donations.