Zylius takes over economy ministry

VILNIUS - Rimantas Zylius, formerly a high-ranking member of the economy ministry, has been officially given the minister's post by President Dalia Grybauskaite.

Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius had thrown his support behind Zylius earlier this week, the the appointment needed the approval of the president to become official.

A press release form the office of the president said she approved the minister on March 17 after receiving a report on his suitability for the post from law enforcement agencies.

Zylius, 37, has worked in a wide range of key positions, including as advisor to the prime minister, an advisor at the Seimas, and a number of key positions within the economy ministry. He holds a degree in psychology and is a founder of the Knowledge Economy Forum.

Zylius replaces former Economy Minister Dainius Kreivys, who resigned earlier this month after the Ethics Commission found he had a conflict of interest. The president had been an outspoken critic of the minister, saying that he should not mix business and politics.