Seimo speaker suggests MPs under investigation should resign

The speaker of Lithuania’s parliament, Juozas Olekas, has stated that the Seimas as an institution would benefit if lawmakers facing criminal allegations stepped down, public broadcaster LRT reports.

Speaking to Žinių Radijas on Wednesday, Olekas noted a trend where politicians accused of corruption—particularly those admitting to taking bribes—tend to resign. “It would be best for the institution if such individuals were no longer in the Seimas,” he said.

His comments follow recent high-profile cases involving several MPs. Former Democratic Party leader Saulius Skvernelis and conservative MP Kazys Starkevičius have both faced allegations, with Starkevičius resigning after admitting to bribery. Meanwhile, Social Democrat Gintautas Paluckas, a former prime minister, remains in parliament despite calls to lift his immunity over suspicions of undeclared assets worth nearly €345,000, jointly acquired with his wife.

Olekas acknowledged the presumption of innocence but stressed that lawmakers under investigation should cooperate with authorities while retaining the right to defend themselves. “They have the opportunity to stay, work, and engage with law enforcement to protect their interests,” he said.

Ahead of Thursday’s vote on lifting Paluckas’ immunity, Olekas expressed confidence that Social Democrats would remain united, emphasizing that legal questions should be resolved by law enforcement. He also downplayed suggestions of internal party divisions, stating that Paluckas’ influence is sometimes “overestimated” in disputes between faction and party leadership.

Addressing coalition stability, Olekas affirmed that the ruling majority continues to implement its agreed program, seeing no current need for changes. “As long as we can carry out the coalition’s commitments, it will keep functioning,” he said.