In a recent statement from the Presidential Office, President Gitanas Nausėda commented on the ongoing corruption investigation involving the State Plant Health Service and the recent police searches conducted in the Seimas (Lithuanian Parliament). The president underscored the importance of maintaining the presumption of innocence but reinforced that searches in government bodies indicate substantial grounds for investigation. His advisor, Frederikas Jansonas, stated that the hope is for these procedural actions to clarify the circumstances surrounding this scandalous case and hold those responsible accountable.

The searches reportedly occurred in the offices of prominent political figures, including the leader of the Democratic Party, Saulius Skvernelis, and conservative politician K. Starkevičius. The Special Investigation Service (STT) confirmed that this is part of an ongoing pre-trial investigation into alleged corruption within the agricultural sector, specifically targeting the State Plant Health Service under the Ministry of Agriculture. This marks a significant development in a high-profile case that has raised concerns about integrity and transparency within Lithuanian politics.

As the investigation continues, the political implications could be substantial, potentially affecting various governing parties and individual political careers in Lithuania. The focus on corruption underscores a broader commitment by the government to tackle unethical practices and promote accountability within public institutions. This scenario is particularly relevant in the context of Lithuania's efforts to align with EU standards regarding governance and anti-corruption measures, highlighting the importance of this ongoing investigation in shaping public trust in government institutions.