Lithuania's Foreign Ministry launches probe into ambassador's conduct in US
Lithuania's Foreign Ministry has set up a commission to look into allegations that the ambassador in Washington mistreated embassy staff. The case has also drawn attention from opposition politicians.
Lithuania's Foreign Ministry has formed a commission to investigate the situation at the country's embassy in Washington following public allegations of the ambassador's disrespectful treatment of employees.
The ministry announced on Friday that the commission includes representatives from its General Inspectorate, trade union, human resources department, and legal department. The aim of the inquiry is to objectively and independently evaluate the published information while ensuring the privacy of individuals and the confidentiality of the process.
Last week, the news portal Delfi.lt reported that several embassy employees had filed complaints with the ministry about Ambassador Gediminas Varvolis. The complaints allegedly concerned disrespectful behaviour, shouting at staff, and orders to work excessively long hours. Varvolis has been Lithuania's ambassador to the United States since 1 August last year.
Members of the parliamentary opposition party Homeland Union – Lithuanian Christian Democrats have started informal talks with embassy employees to discuss the ambassador's conduct. Žygimantas Pavilonis, deputy chairman of the Seimas Foreign Affairs Committee and a conservative, confirmed that he had contacted embassy staff. The committee is planning a meeting at the end of August where the ministry's leadership could provide the latest information.
Meanwhile, the Foreign Ministry has asked the parliament's Ethics and Procedures Committee to assess whether Pavilonis's communication with embassy employees in the US violated conflict-of-interest rules. The ministry also requested an evaluation of whether Pavilonis exceeded his status and powers as a Seimas member.
An invitation to a discussion with party members, signed by Pavilonis and former prime minister Ingrida Šimonytė, was received by all embassy employees. While Pavilonis confirmed his contacts with the staff, Šimonytė said she had not had direct contact with them for a long time.
