Former MP Kazys Starkevičius leaves Homeland Union party amid bribery allegations

Kazys Starkevičius, a former member of parliament accused in a high-profile corruption case, has withdrawn from the Homeland Union–Lithuanian Christian Democrats (TS-LKD), the party confirmed on Wednesday.

“Kazys Starkevičius submitted a request to leave TS-LKD yesterday and, as of today, is no longer a party member,” press representative Raminta Keršytė told ELTA news agency.

The move follows reports by news portal 15min that Starkevičius admitted to accepting a bribe of up to €20,000 in cash last October. The payment, allegedly delivered by businessman Danielis Krinickis—linked to former State Plant Service (VAT) head Jurijus Kornijenko—was reportedly left in a bag at the Seim (parliament) dormitory. Starkevičius later handed the money to investigators himself, according to sources.

Prime Minister Ingrida Ruginienė called the allegations a “serious reputational blow to the entire political system,” while former TS-LKD leader Gabrielius Landsbergis urged the party to “immediately distance itself from any association” with Starkevičius. The ex-MP had previously suspended his party membership but faced pressure to fully resign.

Prosecutors formally charged Starkevičius with bribery in mid-April. The case stems from a broader VAT corruption probe in which 15 officials are suspected of systematically extorting large sums from transport companies in exchange for phytosanitary certificates. Raids last year seized over €1.3 million in cash, 8 kg of gold, 11,000 cigarette packs, 14,000 litres of alcohol, cocaine, and explosives. Starkevičius’s home and office were searched in February alongside those of fellow MP Saulius Skvernelis.

A lawyer by training, Starkevičius served in parliament from 2004 until resigning his seat earlier this year. His political career included roles as first deputy mayor of Kaunas, Kaunas district governor, and a member of the Sąjūdis reform movement.