Lithuanian Premier Quits as His Business Ties Face Scrutiny

Lithuanian Prime Minister Saulius Skvernelis has resigned amid scrutiny over his business ties. The decision comes after a political crisis in the country, where Skvernelis faced allegations of conflicts of interest between his government role and his private business activities. The resignation marks the first time a Lithuanian leader has stepped down before the end of their term in almost two decades. Skvernelis, who had been in office since 2016, cited a lack of political support and the need for "a new political culture" as reasons for his departure. The turmoil surrounding the prime minister's business dealings has shaken the political landscape in Lithuania, a Baltic nation that has been praised for its efforts to combat corruption and strengthen democratic institutions. The resignation highlights the ongoing challenge of maintaining transparency and accountability in government, even in countries considered relatively stable democracies.