Lithuanian Foreign Minister resigns as party leader after elections defeat
Photo: Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis (Getty Images)
Lithuanian Foreign Minister and head of the Homeland Union – Lithuanian Christian Democrats, Gabrielius Landsbergis, has announced his resignation as party leader after losing the elections to the Seimas, according to LRT.
The decision was dictated by a clear signal from voters, he said at a press conference, adding that he also has no plans to participate in the next convocation of parliament. This means that his seat in the multi-mandate constituency will be taken by another party representative.
Landsbergis emphasized that the reason for his departure was the elections results and the negative impact that, according to him, the discourse associated with him had on the party.
“The party is becoming a hostage to a highly negative discourse or narrative linked to me or my family,” he said.
Homeland Union was defeated in the elections, winning 18 seats in multi-mandate districts and 10 in single-mandate districts, prompting Landsbergis to step down.
He will now focus on completing his work as Foreign Minister, leaving his next steps to fate and time.
Elections in Lithuania
The day before, Lithuania held parliamentary elections, which were won by the opposition Social Democrats. The main themes of the campaign were dissatisfaction with the high cost of living and fears of potential threats from Russia.
According to official figures, the center-left won 52 seats out of 141 in the parliament. The ruling Homeland Union party came in second with 28 seats. Preliminary data also show that the For Lithuania party may win 14 seats, and the Union of Farmers and Greens may win eight.
