Lawmakers narrowly ousted Lithuania's scandal-ridden president Tuesday for abuse of office, ending the Baltic state's worst political crisis since it gained independence from Moscow. The ouster of President Rolandas Paksas in a secret ballot came less than three weeks before the country joins the European Union on May 1. The 47-year-old former stunt pilot lost three separate votes in the 141-member parliament by closer-than-expected margins. Before they voted, Paksas asked lawmakers: "Do a few mistakes of mine justify the process of impeachment?"
| Guess the answer is "yes". |
Parliament wasn't swayed, passing all three accusations against Paksas: that he illegally arranged citizenship for one of his chief financial backers, businessman Yuri Borisov; that he divulged state secrets; and that he used his office for financial gain. The accusations stemmed from Borisov's role in Paksas' campaign, including, government reports found, that the Russian was linked to organized crime. Borisov, who denied any wrongdoing, donated $400,000 to the campaign last year. Afterward, Paksas helped Borisov get Lithuanian citizenship, although it was later revoked. The charge of divulging state secrets was tied to Paksas' apparent warning to Borisov that he was being watched by state security agents. The third involved his role in the privatization of a building company. The scandal emerged in October after a government report linked Paksas to Borisov, who police assert has ties to Russia's mafia. Parliament launched impeachment proceedings weeks later.
Deputies passed the first charge by 86-17, the second 86-18 and the third 89-14. To pass, 85 votes were needed. Other deputies either weren't present or did not vote. The former Soviet republic joined NATO last week and Paksas opponents said Lithuania risked losing the trust of both NATO and the EU had the scandal-ridden Paksas stayed on. "Lithuania's partners in NATO and the EU were expecting such outcome - impeachment," said lawmaker Gediminas Kirkilas. "Today we have done what we had to do." Parliament Speaker Arturas Paulauskas - an ardent Paksas foe - became the acting president. New elections will be held within 60 days. |