SocDems should decide on working with parties under probe – Minster of Economy

In an address to the party’s executive bodies received by BNS, the minister called for a “clear and principled LSDP position on the situation of the Liberal Movement and the Labor Party, as well as the possibility to work with these parties.”

“Although delayed, our response would demonstrate principles and a political spine. Meanwhile, giving no position would show our reconciliation and give an idea that the charges in large-scale corruption investigations for political organizations and their leaders are becoming a norm on Lithuania’s political arena,” said Sinkevičius.

The minister, who ran for the party’s chairman last spring and was defeated by Gintautas Paluckas, the current leader, this week submitted resignation from the Economy Ministry after the Social Democratic Party’s council decided to leave the ruling coalition with the Lithuanian Farmers and Greens Union (LFGU).

Paluckas serves as vice-mayor in the Vilnius municipality where the Social Democrats work in the ruling coalition with the Liberal Movement and the conservatives.

Last week, the Liberal Movement and the Labor Party faced bribery and influence peddling suspicions in a large-scale investigation into political corruption, which also involves MG Baltic concern.

However, the economy minister’s address says nothing about the 2015 suspicions against the Order and Justice party.

It turned out on Monday that members of the LSDP political group opposing the coalition exit had signed a deal with the Farmers and Greens Union on a new coalition of political groups.