Lithuanian Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas confirmed his resignation yesterday, forcing the resignation of the entire government in line with the country’s constitution.
Paluckas announced his decision on Thursday, in response to allegations of dubious business dealings and conflicts of interest.
He must now formally submit his resignation to President Gitanas Nausėda, who then has 15 days to propose a candidate for prime minister to parliament.
Paluckas’ government would remain in office until a new Cabinet is confirmed.
Paluckas also stepped down as leader of the Social Democratic Party of Lithuania (LSDP), which is the strongest force in parliament.
KtNausėda has already met with the party’s new leader.
The LSDP plans to select its candidate to succeed Paluckas on Wednesday.
Investigations into questionable business dealings by Paluckas led to public protests and calls for his resignation, including from one of the two coalition partners in his centre-left government.
The 45-year-old has denied any wrongdoing and dismissed the allegations as deliberate attacks by his political opponents.