Lithuanian PM Resigns Amid Scandal Before Russian Drills

Lithuanian Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas resigned after President Gitanas Nausėda gave him a two-week ultimatum to address financial scandals and corruption allegations or step down. Paluckas, who only assumed office late last year after forming a three-party coalition, faced mounting pressure from coalition partners, public protests, and ongoing anti-corruption investigations. His resignation is expected to trigger the dissolution of the entire Cabinet, raising concerns about an interim government ahead of Russian military exercises with Belarus. Paluckas denies wrongdoing but cited the scandals as a distraction to governance. Despite the crisis, President Nausėda has pledged that Lithuania's foreign policy and support for Ukraine will remain stable. The situation highlights the importance of accountability and transparency in Lithuanian leadership.