Lithuanian President Admits to Joining Communist Party of Soviet Union in 1988
(MENAFN) Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda has revealed that he joined the Communist Party of the Soviet Union in 1988. The admission followed reports by several media outlets suggesting that Nauseda had not disclosed his membership during the 2019 presidential campaign, in which he ran as an independent. The revelation has sparked controversy in Lithuania, with many questioning Nauseda's Political affiliations and his suitability for the presidency.
Nauseda has explained that he joined the Communist Party for the sake of greater career opportunities as a scientist right after graduating from university. He described the decision as a "youthful mistake" and has expressed regret for his past affiliation with the party. It is worth noting that Nauseda's admission confirms the reporting by Laisves TV journalist Dovidas Pancerovas, who had found the president's party card and accompanying documentation in the state archives.
The documents revealed that Nauseda had applied for CPSU membership on May 20, 1988, shortly after he graduated from Vilnius University with a degree in economics. He was issued a party card on June 27 of the same year. However, in the questionnaire Nauseda submitted to Lithuania's Central Electoral Commission in 2018, the field about his past or present political affiliation had been left blank.
The revelation of Nauseda's past affiliation with the Communist Party has raised questions about his political background and credibility as a leader. In Lithuania, where memories of Soviet occupation and repression are still fresh, any association with the Communist Party is viewed with suspicion and mistrust. Nauseda's admission has prompted calls for him to clarify his political stance and distance himself from his past affiliation with the party.
Moreover, Nauseda's disclosure has come at a time when Lithuania is facing significant challenges, including geopolitical tensions with Russia and the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. The revelation threatens to undermine Nauseda's authority and could potentially harm Lithuania's international reputation. It remains to be seen how the president and his administration will address the controversy and its potential impact on the country's political landscape.
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