Lithuania’s opposition Democratic Union “For Lithuania” said Monday it will not replace party leader Saulius Skvernelis despite recent searches and his questioning as a special witness in a corruption probe.
Speaking after a party board meeting, Skvernelis said only a party congress can decide on changing the chairman and that he sees no reason to step down.
“I have not committed any unlawful actions,” he told reporters, adding that support within the party remains strong.
The Special Investigation Service searched Skvernelis’ home and parliamentary office on February 9 as part of an investigation into alleged systemic corruption at the State Plant Service. He was questioned last week as a special witness, a status used when authorities examine a person’s actions but lack grounds to file charges.
Party Vice Chairman Virginijus Sinkevičius said the party maintains its position of cooperating fully with law enforcement.
The Democratic Union “For Lithuania” has a 16-member faction in the parliament. A December Vilmorus poll commissioned by Lietuvos Rytas showed 8.2% support for the party, while Skvernelis led popularity rankings.
The party was founded in 2022 after Skvernelis and his followers left the Lithuanian Farmers and Greens Union (LVŽS). Skvernelis served as the country’s prime minister between 2016-2020 under the LVŽS-led ruling coalition.
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