Lithuania cracks down on lax parliamentarians

Feb 04, 2010
TBT Staff

Karalius is facing possible impeachment for missing parliamentary sessions in favor of a Thai holiday (photo: Seimas)

VILNIUS - Parliamentarians in Lithuania are moving to discipline two of their own for skipping out on duties.

Linas Karalius, 36, stands accused of skipping a number of parliamentary sessions in favor of extending his current vacation in Thailand, local news portal alfa.lt reported. Fellow MP Aleksandr Sacharuk is accused of having used Karalius' MP card to cover for his absence by voting in his stead.

The story gained prominence in the public when the vagrant parliamentarian posted some racy pictures - including ones of himself posing with scantily-clad Thai women - on his blog.

Seimas speaker Irena Degutiene said the two men may face impeachment hearings, and that once enough signatures have been gathered it will start the legal process.

"If you don't show up for work one day, then a second day, then a third, your employer will typically fire you or at least exact some sort of penalty," Degutienewas quoted as sayign by alfa.

The pair may also face stiff fines for their behavior.

Many in the country hope that this will be the start of stricter oversight of MPs, many of whom have received criticism for dereliction of their duties.

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