The decision was supported by the majority of the commission's members on Thursday, conservative member Naglis Puteikis told journalists before the end of the meeting.
In his words, the conclusion was supported by five members of the commission, while four voted against.
"Considering that the hasty dismissal of top officers of the Financial Crimes Investigation Service of spotless reputation and good results is not legally valid. The minister may have had some personal or party reasons that are not related with the indicated reasons of dismissal. The minister's actions caused an extensive negative reaction in the society and caused moral damage to the state and its law-enforcement institutions. By making public accusations without a thorough investigation and trial, the minister violated the Constitution, the Law of State and Official Secrets, his testimony to the commission was not sincere," Puteikis cited the commission's conclusions.
In his words, the commission found the conduct of the interior minister not consistent with principles of immaculate reputation and fairness, stating lack of confidence in Palaitis.
The panel is holding separate ballots for each chapter of the conclusions, therefore, the meeting continues.
The Anti-Corruption Commission was investigating the circumstances of dismissal of director of the Financial Crimes Investigation Service, Vitalijus Gailius, and his deputy Vytautas Giržadas who were sacked by Palaitis last month.
Minister refuses to resign
Lithuania's Interior Minister Raimundas Palaitis says he has no intentions to resign, although the parliamentary Anti-Corruption Commission expressed mistrust in the minister after a probe into the circumstances of dismissal of two chief officers of the Financial Crime Investigation Services.
"My reaction is that I did everything in accordance to the law for the benefit of Lithuania and the people of Lithuania. I was delegated to the post by a party and appointed by the president, and I do not intend to resign so far," he told the national television on Thursday evening.
In an earlier interview to Lietuvos Rytas TV, Palaitis said the final decision on his fate should be made by President Dalia Grybauskaitė.
Asked what he would do if the leader of the ruling Homeland Union – Lithuanian Christian Democrats, Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius, stated no-confidence, the minister said he was appointed and dismissed by the president.
"I am appointed and dismissed by the president of the Republic of Lithuania," said Palaitis, adding that a proposal from the prime minister was needed in this respect.
