Paluckas’s resignation has left the ruling Lithuanian Social Democrats (LSDP) politically isolated and without any realistic coalition options, political scientist Matas Baltrukevičius explains in Delfi:
“The Social Democrats currently have no clear answers – either to the question of who should take over as prime minister or regarding the composition of a governing coalition. In view of the profound crisis the party is facing, President Gitanas Nausėda is likely to gain influence – especially if the coalition talks prove difficult. The Social Democrats understand that they will have to deal with the aftermath of the scandal for the next three years. Even just minimising the damage would be a major achievement for them.”