Lithuania — FrontPages.eu

Border Chief Resigns, Priest Speaks in Abuse Probe, PM Addresses Births

Get European news in your inbox daily

A short daily digest of the whole continent — or just the countries you care about.

Choose individual countries instead (or as well)

Lithuania is grappling with multiple significant domestic issues, including the resignation of Rustamas Liubajevas as the chief of the State Border Guard Service, a development that follows a recent border incident. In parallel, the ongoing church abuse scandal has seen a new turn as a priest accused of child pornography has broken his silence, with the family involved also coming forward to share their account.

The nation's leadership is also addressing pressing societal and economic concerns. The Prime Minister, Mindaugas Sinkevičius, has highlighted the urgent need for a comprehensive plan to tackle the country's declining birth rate. Economically, the outlook is cautious, with a reported slowdown in office rental income growth and concerns that the corporate tax budget may not be met this year.

Further domestic news includes an investigation into Aidas Gedvilas, a Member of the Seimas, regarding property acquired through an 'invisible' debt. The public health sector is under strain, as Santaros clinics are reportedly overwhelmed with patients suffering from a severe virus. Additionally, issues within the diplomatic service have emerged, with revelations of a negative atmosphere at the Lithuanian embassy in the US.

Top stories

Border Guard Chief Resigns Amid Dismissal Calls

Rustamas Liubajevas has resigned from his position as the chief of the Lithuanian State Border Guard Service (VSAT). This follows a suggestion by Remigijus Katelynas to dismiss Liubajevas from the role by mid-week. The resignation comes after a recent incident where a border guard was attacked and nearly dragged into Belarus.

Priest Accused in Child Pornography Scandal Breaks Silence

A priest facing accusations of child pornography has spoken out for the first time, with the family who allegedly sent him photos also coming forward. This development marks a significant turn in the ongoing church abuse scandal that has recently reached national parliamentary discussions.

Prime Minister Addresses Declining Birth Rate Crisis

Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius has publicly discussed Lithuania's declining birth rate, emphasizing the urgent need for a comprehensive national plan to encourage citizens, including ministers, to have more children.

LRT Prime Minister on the birth rate crisis: we need a plan that even ministers… ↗

Economic Outlook Worsens with Slowing Growth and Tax Shortfalls

The Lithuanian economy faces challenges as office rental income growth has slowed, with a bleak forecast for the commercial real estate market in 2026. Additionally, there are growing indications that the corporate tax budget for the current year may not meet its target.

Verslo žinios Office Rental Income Growth Slowed, Few Prospects for 2026 ↗
Verslo žinios Corporate Tax Budget May Not Be Met This Year: Signs of Shortfall Becoming… ↗

Member of Seimas Accused of Property Acquisition Through 'Invisible' Debt

Aidas Gedvilas, a Member of the Seimas and a politician from the Dawn of Nemunas party, is under scrutiny for allegedly acquiring property valued at 200,000 euros through an undisclosed debt, raising questions about the transaction.

15min Aidas Gedvilas Acquires Property Worth 200,000 Euros Through 'Invisible' Debt ↗

Negative Atmosphere Reported at Lithuanian Embassy in US

An internal employee survey has revealed a negative and distrustful atmosphere at the Lithuanian embassy in the United States, characterized by disrespect, interruptions, and suspicion among staff.

Delfi Source from Lithuanian embassy in US: Disrespect, interruptions, suspicion… ↗

Hospitals Overwhelmed by Severe Virus Outbreak

Santaros clinics are facing a critical situation as they are inundated with patients infected by a virus, many of whom are suffering from severe breathing and eating difficulties.

Lrytas Virus-infected patients flock to Santaros clinics, unable to breathe or eat ↗

Discussions on Russian Provocations and Stricter Transit Regulations

The President's advisor has urged calm in response to potential Russian provocations and has also voiced support for implementing stricter transit regulations for Russian citizens traveling through Lithuania.