Events on April 6 in history

Rolandas Paksas becomes the first president of Lithuania to be peacefully removed from office by impeachment.

Introduction: A Complex Figure in Lithuanian Politics

Rolandas Paksas, whose name is pronounced [rɔˈɫɐ̂ˑndɐs ˈpaːksɐs], born on June 10, 1956, stands as a distinctive and often controversial figure in modern Lithuanian political history. His career, marked by both rapid ascent and an unprecedented downfall, saw him serve at the highest echelons of national leadership. He notably held the office of President of Lithuania from 2003 to 2004, a tenure abruptly cut short by impeachment. Prior to his presidency, Paksas demonstrated a remarkable political trajectory, twice holding the position of Prime Minister of Lithuania—first in 1999 and again from 2000 to 2001. Concurrently, he also served two non-consecutive terms as the Mayor of Vilnius, the nation’s capital, from 1997 to 1999 and again from 2000 to 2001. His political influence continued beyond his time in national executive office, as he led the political party Order and Justice from 2004 to 2016 and represented Lithuania as a Member of the European Parliament from 2009 to 2019.

From Aerobatics Champion to Entrepreneur and Politician

Paksas's journey to the political arena began far from the halls of power. In the 1980s, during the twilight years of the Soviet Union, he distinguished himself as a national aerobatics champion, showcasing a daring and disciplined spirit. With the monumental collapse of the Soviet Union and Lithuania regaining its independence, Paksas transitioned from professional sport to entrepreneurship, founding a construction company named Restako. This venture highlighted his adaptability and business acumen in the nascent free-market economy. His entry into politics occurred in 1997 when he successfully ran for a seat on the Vilnius City Council under the banner of the centre-right Homeland Union. His electoral success quickly propelled him to the prominent position of Mayor of Vilnius, signaling his rapid rise in public service.

A Dynamic but Often Turbulent Ministerial Career

Paksas's early political career was characterized by a series of high-profile appointments and swift resignations. In May 1999, he was appointed Prime Minister of Lithuania. However, his initial term was short-lived, concluding just five months later due to significant policy disagreements over the country's ongoing privatization processes, a critical and often contentious issue in post-Soviet economic transitions. Undeterred, Paksas joined the Liberal Union of Lithuania (LLS) in 2000. Under his new affiliation, the LLS secured a victory in the 2000 general election, leading to Paksas's second appointment as Prime Minister. Yet, this term also proved brief, as he again resigned within seven months, citing further disputes over the direction of crucial economic reforms. These early departures painted a picture of a leader with strong convictions, perhaps at times unwilling to compromise on his vision for the nation’s economic future.

The Presidency: A Historic Victory and Unprecedented Impeachment

In 2002, Rolandas Paksas made a bold move, founding his own political entity, the Liberal Democratic Party. This new platform served as the vehicle for his audacious presidential bid. Against expectations, he emerged victorious in the January 2003 run-off election, defeating the incumbent and widely respected Valdas Adamkus. His triumph was a testament to his popular appeal and ability to connect with voters. However, his presidency was destined to be historically brief and deeply controversial. It soon came to light that Paksas had granted Lithuanian citizenship to a significant campaign donor under questionable circumstances, leading to a profound political crisis. This revelation triggered impeachment proceedings, culminating in his removal from office in April 2004. This landmark event made Rolandas Paksas the first European head of state ever to be impeached, sending shockwaves through Lithuania's young democracy and setting a precedent for accountability at the highest level of government.

Post-Impeachment: European Parliament and Ongoing Legal Battles

Following his impeachment, Paksas faced immediate and severe political repercussions, including being barred from holding a seat in the Seimas, Lithuania's national parliament. Despite this significant setback, his political career was far from over. He continued to lead his party, now rebranded as Order and Justice (TT), and demonstrated remarkable resilience by successfully running for and being elected as a Member of the European Parliament in 2009. This move allowed him to remain active on the political stage, albeit at a European rather than national level. The legal challenges surrounding his lifetime ban from national parliamentary office continued. In 2011, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) ruled that this lifetime prohibition was a disproportionate measure, arguing that while impeachment was justified, a permanent ban on running for parliament exceeded what was necessary in a democratic society. This ruling has led to ongoing efforts in Lithuania to amend its constitution to comply with the ECHR's decision. In 2018, legislative amendments were proposed that would potentially allow Paksas to run for a parliamentary seat once more. However, crucial restrictions remain: he will not be permitted to run for the presidency or to serve as the Speaker of the Parliament, reflecting the lasting implications of his impeachment.

A Contested Legacy: "Worst President" Perception

In the narrative of modern Lithuanian history, Rolandas Paksas's presidency is often viewed through a critical lens. He is widely and frequently cited as being the worst President of Lithuania in its modern history. This assessment largely stems from the circumstances of his impeachment, the brevity of his term, and the constitutional crisis it precipitated. While his supporters might point to his populist appeal and his efforts to challenge the political establishment, the indelible mark of his removal from office for constitutional violations continues to shape public and political perceptions of his time as head of state.

Frequently Asked Questions about Rolandas Paksas

Who is Rolandas Paksas?

Rolandas Paksas is a Lithuanian politician who served as President of Lithuania from 2003 to 2004. He also held significant roles as Prime Minister and Mayor of Vilnius.

What was Rolandas Paksas's career like before becoming President?

Before his presidency, Paksas was a national aerobatics champion in the 1980s and founded a construction company, Restako, after the collapse of the Soviet Union. He then entered politics, serving as Mayor of Vilnius twice and Prime Minister twice, often resigning due to policy disagreements.

Why was Rolandas Paksas impeached?

He was impeached and removed from office in April 2004 after it was revealed he had granted Lithuanian citizenship to a major campaign donor under controversial circumstances. This was deemed a serious breach of his presidential oath.

What were the immediate consequences of his impeachment?

Following his impeachment, Rolandas Paksas was removed from the presidency and barred from running for or holding a seat in the Seimas (Lithuanian parliament) for life.

Did Rolandas Paksas continue his political career after impeachment?

Yes, despite being banned from national parliamentary office, Paksas was elected as a Member of the European Parliament in 2009, where he served until 2019, while also leading his party, Order and Justice.

Can Rolandas Paksas run for president again?

No, even with ongoing efforts to amend the constitution to comply with a European Court of Human Rights ruling regarding his parliamentary ban, current provisions still prohibit him from running for the presidency or serving as the Speaker of the Parliament.

Why is Rolandas Paksas often considered "the worst President of Lithuania" in modern history?

This assessment stems largely from the unprecedented nature of his impeachment due to constitutional violations concerning the granting of citizenship to a campaign donor, which led to a profound political crisis and a very brief presidential term. This event significantly shaped public and political perceptions of his leadership.