Lithuanian Justice Minister faces Scandal, Defense Deals, and Political turbulence

Justice Minister Under Fire
Lithuania’s new Justice Minister, Rimantas Mockus, is embroiled in controversy after a report by TV3 revealed his attendance at a party featuring strip dancers nearly two decades ago. The event, held in 2006, was organized for Vilnius police officers, where Mockus served in the Ecology and Law Violations Division. Following media backlash at the time, an internal investigation was conducted.

Mockus, responding this week, offered an ironic apology, acknowledging his participation and even jesting about enjoying saunas “as God created him.”

Lithuania Signs Tank Deal
Lithuania has formalized its acquisition of 44 Leopard 2A8 tanks in a deal signed during Defense Minister Dovilė Šakalienė’s visit to Berlin. While the cost remains undisclosed, the tanks are expected to start arriving in 2029, with the full battalion operational by 2034.

Coalition Struggles
Just days into its tenure, Lithuania’s new ruling coalition faces challenges. Remigijus Žemaitaitis, leader of Nemunas Dawn, has threatened to withdraw from the coalition over being denied the position of deputy speaker in parliament. President Gitanas Nausėda called for unity, while Prime Minister Gintauras Paluckas reassured that the coalition remains intact.

Sanctions on Georgian PM
Lithuania and Estonia have imposed sanctions on Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, barring him from entry. In response, Georgia issued a sharp critique, accusing the Baltic nations of acting under foreign influence. Georgia has not yet announced reciprocal measures.

Economic Updates

• Parliament approved the 2025 budget.
• SEB Bank will relocate its Baltic headquarters to Estonia, sparking concerns in Lithuania.
• Vilnius seeks a higher budget deficit to fund defense spending.
• Corporate taxes may rise.
• Lithuania received EU Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) funds.
• The European Central Bank commended Lithuania’s economic performance.

Aircraft Incident
Finnish authorities seized a Lithuanian plane en route to Russia. The unusual flight path raised suspicions, following prior cases of sanctions evasion via Lithuanian airports.

Anti-Gay Propaganda Law Overturned
Lithuania’s Constitutional Court struck down a law akin to anti-gay propaganda laws in other states, ruling it unconstitutional. The law previously limited information accessible to children that contradicted traditional family values.

The court emphasized that such restrictions hinder a child’s development in a democratic society. The decision follows a 2022 European Court of Human Rights ruling that Lithuania violated author Neringa Macatė’s rights when her children’s book depicting same-sex relationships faced distribution limits in 2013.

These developments underscore the multifaceted political, social, and economic challenges facing Lithuania today.