Lithuania’s ruling LFGU initiating impeachment of MP Juozapaitis

“We see two clear violations of the Constitution, both accusations we have put in writing make it clear for us that the Constitution had been violated, however, these things should be determined by the commission. We are currently collecting signatures,” LFGU leader Ramūnas Karbauskis told BNS on Monday.

A draft resolution for initiating an impeachment process requires 36 signatures.

In the impeachment draft, LFGU suggests that Juozapaitis, a member of the parliamentary Culture Committee, may have violated his oath or the Constitution by his additional concert and teaching activities.

Under Article 60 of the country’s Organic Law, duties of an MP, except of his duties in parliament, are incompatible with any other duties, as well as employment, with additional salary only possible from creative work.

The initiators suggest that Juozapaitis, an opera soloist, offers master classes and performs in concerts, and although his creative work is occasional, “however, is de facto repetitive.”

The impeachment initiative specifies three concerts where Juozapaitis performed the baritone part, indicating that he was paid between 250-1,100 euros for the performances.

In 2004, the Constitutional Court concluded that members of parliament could receive additional money for their creative work conducted outside their work, service and similar relations.