Lithuania's Prime Minister Resigns Amid Business Controversy

Lithuania is set to see a political shift as Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas announced his resignation following mounting pressure over scrutinized business dealings. The controversy revolved around a transaction involving a company co-owned by Paluckas and another owned by his sister-in-law, with allegations of government agency financing.

Paluckas maintained his innocence, yet the sustained criticism from opposition parties put his position in peril, ultimately leading to his decision to step down. The Social Democrat party, with a parliamentary majority, is tasked with selecting a new prime minister, anticipated to face hurdles in securing coalition consensus.

Political tensions are high, with the For Lithuania party threatening to exit the ruling coalition unless decisive action was taken. The next appointee will need to navigate the complexities of political discord and coalition expectations.

(With inputs from agencies.)