• Thu, December 12, 2024

Lithuania's new government takes office amid controversy over antisemitism

Lithuania's new centre-left government took office on Thursday, led by Social Democrat Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas and including a party whose leader is on trial accused of antisemitic statements.
The new government of Lithuania, led by Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė, has taken office amidst controversy over antisemitism. The appointment of a new education minister, Gintautas Jakštas, has sparked debate due to his past association with a far-right group and his failure to address antisemitic comments made by a colleague. Critics, including the Jewish Community of Lithuania, have expressed concerns over Jakštas's suitability for the role, especially given his lack of educational experience and his previous political affiliations. Despite these controversies, Jakštas has promised to focus on educational reforms, including increasing teachers' salaries and addressing the shortage of educators. The government's formation comes at a time when Lithuania is also dealing with broader issues like economic recovery, security concerns due to its proximity to Russia, and the need for educational improvements.

Read the Full MSN Article at:
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/politics/government/lithuania-s-new-government-takes-office-amid-controversy-over-antisemitism/ar-AA1vK2sY