Source for this article was the ELTA News Agency.

A New Prime Minister?

Following a long period of uncertainty and political strain, Lithuanian Prime Minister Gediminas Vagnorius resigned on April 30, 1999 during a televised report. Under the National Constitution, the Prime Minister’s resignation means that the ministers in his team would have to resign as well.

The resignation of 41 year-old Vagnorius, who had spearheaded the Cabinet for nearly two and a half years, came about after political tensions emerged between him and the President. According to Vagnorius, "that burdened the government of the country and undermined the national economy — financially weakening the state and marring its position on the international scene."

Vagnorius further stated, "Nevertheless, the government and its entire team made cordial efforts to work for the nation and its people instead of seeking to make their own fortune. We strove for a more just order in the state and stricter prevention of abuse and corruption among state officials, as well as contraband and shadow economy. We strengthened financial stability for the sake of all people."

The Premier also cited some improved economic records as accomplishments of his Cabinet, namely a steadfast monetary system in the context of the Russian turmoil, revival of industry and trade, successful collection of the state budget, reinstatement of people's lost bank deposits, and accumulation of sufficient money resources.

"I know that not everybody will approve of my decision but I have a feeling that the current situation of meaningless political tensions and intrigue dictates resignation as the most suitable solution," Vagnorius said.

On April 30th, President Valdas Adamkus claimed he would consult with all parliamentary factions in quest of the most suitable candidate for the premier's post. The deadline given was May 19th. In the meantime, different political factions expressed their viewpoints concerning the candidate’s qualifications. The most vocal of the group was the Homeland’s Union or the Conservative political council.

In a document, the council laid down the stubborn stance of the ruling party recommending the president to refrain from proposing or appointing a Conservative member to the premier's office.

When consulting the Conservatives, Adamkus proposed a few candidates to replace the former PM. However, the Conservative leadership spurned his offers. Meanwhile, the other parliamentary factions of the nation told the country’s leader the Conservatives were due to shoulder responsibility for naming a new Cabinet leader and reshuffling the government,

Presidential spokesperson, Violeta Gaižauskaite said the state head held intensive consultations with the most prominent figures of the ruling Homeland's Union (Conservatives) who are eligible for the PM's office. The popular mayor of Vilnius, a board member of Homeland's Union, Rolandas Paksas was offered the position on May 10th but did not accept as yet. He has been the mayor of the Lithuanian capital since April 1997.

Parliament leader Vytautas Landsbergis stated that a new wider and clearer consolidation between the units of executive power-- president and government -- was possible, and that their discord was undermining the State. Landsbergis told a news conference on May 10th that he was of the opinion that, with some Conservatives in the new Cabinet, a PM should not be necessarily a delegate of the ruling party.

The political council of the ruling party had made it clear that there were gifted or highly acceptable candidates for the Prime Minister's position not only among Conservatives as an alternative to Paksas. Final word will be given on May 19th.