A. Jakavonytė will work in the European Parliament and Rural Affairs committees instead of K. Starkevičius
A. Jakavonytė is set to succeed K. Starkevičius in parliamentary committees following Starkevičius's resignation, which stems from a corruption investigation.
During a recent session of the Lithuanian Parliament, Vice Speaker Orinta Leiputė announced the appointment of A. Jakavonytė to replace K. Starkevičius in the European Parliament and Rural Affairs committees. This change comes after K. Starkevičius announced on Facebook that he would resign from his parliamentary mandate. His resignation was approved by the Central Electoral Commission, which indicated that Jakavonytė would assume the position due to her standing on the party list from which Starkevičius was elected.
K. Starkevičius was recently involved in a corruption investigation concerning the Plant Protection Service, resulting in searches conducted at his and Saulius Skvernelis's offices and residences. This situation prompted Starkevičius to suspend his membership in the Homeland Union – Lithuanian Christian Democrats party earlier this year, indicating the serious nature of the allegations against him and the political implications surrounding his departure.
The incoming representative, A. Jakavonytė, will be tasked with taking over in committees that are essential for Lithuania's representation in broader European affairs, as well as addressing rural development issues, which are particularly significant in light of Lithuania's socio-economic landscape. Her appointment reflects the ongoing challenges within the Lithuanian political scene, especially concerning corruption and accountability among officials, as the country navigates its reforms and democratic processes.