Lithuanian PM resigns over political crisis

Lithuanian prime minister Algirdas Brazauskas has officially resigned, prompting president Valdas Adamkus’ search for his successor.

Brazauskas’ resignation in Vilnius came a day after one of the government’s largest parties, Labour, announced it was withdrawing amid allegations of corruption.

Adamkus has 15 days in which to propose a candidate for the post to the Parliament.

Lithuanian prime ministers typically stay on in their posts to oversee the government until a successor takes office, but Brazauskas, apparently stung by Adamkus’ assertion that he couldn’t trust the outgoing government, said his resignation would take effect immediately.

Adamkus is expected to later name finance minister Zigmantaas Balcytis as acting Prime Minister until a replacement is voted into office.