Thu, December 12, 2024

New Lithuania government takes office amid controversy over antisemitism

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Lithuania's new centre-left government assumed 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 Lithuanian government, led by Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte, has taken office amidst controversy over antisemitism, particularly due to the appointment of Gintautas Jakstas as the new education minister. Jakstas, a member of the Freedom Party, has been criticized for his past comments on the Holocaust, where he suggested that Lithuanian Jews were complicit in their own persecution during World War II. This has led to significant backlash from Jewish groups and international observers, who argue that his statements minimize the suffering of Holocaust victims and could hinder efforts to educate about the genocide. Despite the controversy, Jakstas has expressed regret over his remarks and promised to work towards Holocaust education and remembrance. The government's formation comes at a time when Lithuania is also dealing with economic challenges and geopolitical tensions, adding complexity to the administration's agenda.

Read the Full MSN Article at:
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/politics/government/new-lithuania-government-takes-office-amid-controversy-over-antisemitism/ar-AA1vJPJ4