Gabrielius Landsbergis, the Chairman of the conservative Homeland Union – Lithuanian Christian Democrats [TS-LKD], is stepping down as the party’s leader after the Seimas elections, writes lrt.lt.

Lansdbergis said he took this decision after receiving a signal from the voters as the TS-LKD lost the ruling majority in the Parliament and he himself lost in the Centro-Žaliakalnis single-member constituency.

“The voters’ signal is quite clear, both for the party and for me personally, and it would be a mistake not to hear it. Having heard the signal, which I take very seriously, I am taking the decision to step down today as chairman of the Homeland Union – Lithuanian Christian Democrats”, - Landsbergis said.

The politician also announced that he will not serve in the next Seimas, which means that the mandate will go to the next politician on the party’s list: “In addition, as the signal is not only to the political force but also to me personally, I am taking the decision to take a break in my political career and to pass on the mandate, which I am very grateful to the electorate for, to the next colleague on the list. The main reason for his decision is the election results. However, I cannot ignore the fact that the party is becoming a hostage to a highly negative discourse or narrative linked to me or my family. I believe the party should be free to explore how to transform and find its way forward without being weighed down by issues connected to my person, which recur as part of election campaigns or the political agenda”, Landsbergis added.