Lithuanian president says coalition must govern for ordinary people

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda has criticised the government’s work, stating that any policy must serve the interests of ordinary citizens, national broadcaster LRT reports.

Speaking on LRT Television’s *Dienos tema* programme, Nausėda addressed the recent lifting of former Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas’ legal immunity by parliament, calling the situation disappointing. “To reduce reputational damage to themselves and their parties, decisions should be more principled,” he said.

The president acknowledged that while Paluckas had provided information during their meetings last year, it was incomplete. “It wasn’t a lie, but he didn’t disclose everything at once—it was a kind of dosed information,” Nausėda said, comparing the case to that of former Social Democrat leader Vytenis Andriukaitis, who temporarily stepped down amid allegations before returning to politics.

Nausėda stressed that Lithuania has no untouchable officials, and legal proceedings must run their course. “Until proven otherwise, a person is innocent,” he said, while noting that reputational harm remains. He added that he had initially been convinced by Paluckas’ explanations but later realised key details were withheld.

The president also commented on broader political accountability, saying that while he supports the work of law enforcement, the current situation—where two former prime ministers now face criminal investigations—raises concerns about governance standards.