VILNIUS, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda on Monday accepted the resignation of Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas' government and appointed Finance Minister Rimantas Sadzius to lead the interim administration.
The president now has up to 15 days to nominate a candidate for permanent prime minister to Lithuania's parliament, Seimas. Sadzius will serve as the head of the caretaker government until a new Cabinet is formed.
Paluckas announced his decision to step down on Thursday last week after law enforcement authorities opened two pre-trial investigations into his business activities, amid growing public concerns. He confirmed his decision during an emergency government meeting on Monday morning.
According to the Constitution of Lithuania, when the prime minister resigns, his cabinet must resign too, and the president must be notified on the same day.
The new prime minister will be nominated by the Social Democrats, the largest group in the Lithuanian parliament. The party will decide on its nomination at a meeting due on Wednesday. ■
