Lithuanian Electoral Commission clears Gintautas Paluckas of code violation

The Central Electoral Commission (VRK) has proposed that former Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas did not commit a gross violation of the Electoral Code. The proposal follows an investigation into whether Paluckas provided inaccurate information in his 2024 candidate questionnaire for the Seimas.

The controversy stems from claims by opposition members, including the Homeland Union – Lithuanian Christian Democrats, that Paluckas failed to disclose an uncompleted sentence. While Paluckas stated his criminal record was cleared in 2013, records indicate he only completed the payment of court-ordered damages in July 2024, while serving as a Member of Parliament.

The investigation was prompted by legal interpretations regarding whether a person can be elected before a final court act is fully executed. The VRK's research group suggests there is no basis to claim Paluckas provided false information or that he was subject to restrictions on passive electoral rights in 2024. The commission is expected to vote on this proposal during its upcoming session.