Lithuanian Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas officially confirmed his resignation today, triggering the automatic dissolution of the entire government, as stipulated by the country's constitution, DPA reported, quoted by BTA.
The decision comes after accusations of dubious business activities and conflict of interest. Paluckas announced his intention to step down on Thursday, and today he must formally submit his resignation to President Gitanas Nauseda.
According to the law, the head of state has 15 days to propose a new candidate for prime minister to parliament. Until then, Paluckas' cabinet will perform its duties on an interim basis.
In addition to the post of prime minister, Paluckas is also stepping down as leader of the Social Democratic Party of Lithuania, the largest political force in parliament. President Nausėda has already held a meeting with the newly elected party leader.
The Social Democrats will determine their candidate for new prime minister at an upcoming meeting on Wednesday.
Public discontent and calls for his resignation, including from one of his coalition partners, have intensified following revelations of potential irregularities in Paluckas' business activities. However, the 45-year-old politician has categorically denied the allegations, calling them "politically motivated attacks" by opponents.