I allowed myself a bit too much when speaking about resignation – Lithuanian PM

VILNIUS – Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte says she allowed herself a little too much when she said earlier she would resign if the parliament voted down an early election motion, adding that the final decision will be made by the presidium of the ruling conservative Homeland Union – Lithuanian Christian Democrats.

"I probably allowed myself a bit too much when I said that because I am not in the government on my own, but the presidium has made the decision to consider this issue, so the presidium will consider this issue in any case," Simonyte told reporters at the Seimas on Tuesday.

Earlier in the day, the Seimas of Lithuania voted down a proposal to hold a snap parliament election on September 10, initiated by the HU-LCD, after 66 lawmakers voted against, 61 was in favor and eight MPs abstained.

The prime minister earlier vowed to resign in the middle of July, if the early election motion were voted down. This would also mean the resignation of the entire Cabinet.

"I am not personally in the government, I am delegated by the party, and my decisions, whatever they may be, will still have to be discussed by the presidium. When the presidium discusses it, then I will announce my decision," the prime minister said, explaining the change in her position on Tuesday.

Asked whether she wanted to remain prime minister, Simonyte said: "I am working".