"By electing a person charged with a serious crime to the leadership of the Seimas, the Social Democrats took on responsibility for the honor of the party and the state. By tolerating a convicted person in the Seimas leadership following the court ruling, the whole ruling coalition is compromising itself and is bringing shame to the state," Daiva Ulbinaitė, an adviser to the Lithuanian president, communicated the president's position to BNS on Monday.
Last Friday, Gapšys, who is currently a deputy speaker of parliament, was found guilty of fraud and fraudulent bookkeeping. While the opposition pledge to have a vote of no confidence, unless Gapšys removes himself from the post, the Labor Party claims the ruling is not final until a court of higher instance hears the appeal.
