Seimo speaker says parliament would benefit if lawmakers under suspicion resigned

The Lithuanian parliament would function better as an institution if lawmakers facing criminal suspicion chose to step down, Speaker Juozas Olekas said in a Wednesday interview with Žinių Radijas, as reported by BNS.

“Recently, we’ve seen a trend where those who admitted taking bribes—or were accused of it—usually resign,” Olekas stated. “That would be best for the institution, to not have such individuals in the Seimas.”

His remarks follow high-profile cases involving several MPs. Former Democratic Party leader Saulius Skvernelis, Conservative Kazys Starkevičius, and Social Democrat Gintautas Paluckas have all faced legal scrutiny. Starkevičius, who admitted to accepting a bribe, resigned from both the Seimas and his party. Skvernelis remains an independent MP, while Paluckas—who denies wrongdoing—left his party but retained his seat and faction membership.

Olekas stressed that politicians retain the right to defend themselves, noting the presumption of innocence. “Those who believe they have a valid defence and do not consider their actions criminal should have the opportunity to stay, work, and cooperate with law enforcement to protect their interests,” he said.

Ahead of Thursday’s vote on lifting Paluckas’s legal immunity, Olekas expressed confidence that Social Democrats would remain united. “There should be no surprises—these matters belong in law enforcement,” he said, adding that Paluckas could address the allegations to “at least partially lift the shadow cast over the Seimas as an institution.”

While acknowledging Paluckas’s contributions to the party, Olekas suggested his influence is sometimes overstated. “He’s experienced and presents his arguments, but his impact on the faction and party is occasionally exaggerated,” the speaker said.

Prosecutors allege Paluckas and his wife acquired assets worth nearly €344,578 through undeclared income. Paluckas has agreed to waive his immunity via an expedited procedure.

On coalition stability, Olekas affirmed that no changes are needed as long as the government’s programme is implemented. “We committed to a programme and will continue working within this coalition,” he said.