Thu Jul 31 09:54:56 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and news article rewrite of the provided text, framed from an Indian perspective as would be found in “The Hindu” newspaper:
**Summary:**
The Prime Minister of Lithuania, Gintautas Paluckas, resigned on July 31, 2025, following investigations into his past business dealings and a past criminal conviction. These revelations led to public protests calling for his removal. His entire cabinet is expected to resign, potentially creating instability just before joint military exercises between Russia and Belarus. While Lithuanian foreign policy is unlikely to change, the government shakeup creates uncertainty within the Baltic nation. Paluckas’ past involvement in a “rat poison scandal,” where he was convicted of mishandling a bidding process in 2012 and never paid a significant part of the fine, further damaged his reputation. He denied wrongdoing but stepped down before impeachment proceedings could begin.
**News Article (The Hindu):**
**Lithuanian Prime Minister Resigns Amid Corruption Allegations, Casting Shadow on Baltic Stability**
**VILNIUS (Lithuania), July 31, 2025, 3:24 PM IST** – Lithuanian Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas has stepped down from his position today following a series of investigations into his business affairs that have rocked the Baltic nation. The resignation comes after weeks of growing public outcry and protests calling for his removal.
President Gitanas Nausėda made the announcement earlier today, confirming the exit of the Prime Minister, who assumed office late last year. The timing of the resignation is particularly sensitive, coming just weeks before planned joint military exercises between Russia and neighboring Belarus, potentially exacerbating regional tensions. With the entire cabinet expected to follow suit, this could leave the country vulnerable to external pressure.
The investigations into Mr. Paluckas’ dealings have revealed alleged mishandlings dating back over a decade. A particularly damaging revelation concerned the “rat poison scandal” of 2012, where Mr. Paluckas was convicted of abusing his position as Vilnius’ municipality administration director by illegally granting privileges to a high-bidding company in a rat extermination contract. He reportedly never paid a substantial portion of the associated fine.
Mr. Paluckas, who leads the Social Democrats, has denied any wrongdoing, claiming a politically motivated “coordinated attack.” However, the pressure mounted, and he chose to resign rather than face formal impeachment proceedings.
While Lithuanian foreign policy, largely driven by President Nausėda, a staunch supporter of Ukraine, is not expected to shift dramatically, the sudden leadership vacuum raises concerns about internal stability and the potential for political maneuvering as new coalition talks begin to form a new Cabinet.
The situation in Lithuania is being closely watched by international observers, particularly in the context of broader geopolitical concerns in Eastern Europe. The events highlight the importance of transparency and accountability in governance, even in smaller nations, and the potential consequences of unresolved scandals.
First Piper 