Parliamentarians forbidden to leave Seimas

Posted by editor on 3/18/10 • Categorized as Internal Politics, Politics • Print This Post •

Parliamentarians were prohibited to leave for visits abroad when plenary sittings take place in Seimas, Baltic News Service reported on Thursday.

The decision was taken by the Seimas administration to tighten the order in parliament, as the formal majority of the ruling coalition no longer exists.

Also, Seimas members were obliged to deliver requests for visits not only to their committee, but also to the chairman of their political faction.

This week, Vitas Matuzas had to cancel his visit to Afghanistan and two other parliamentarians were withdrawn from their missions abroad, according to BNS.

It is unknown how long the rules will stay in place.

The turmoil in Seimas arose when the Christian faction joined the opposition and one of the ruling conservative party’s members deserted his faction for the Christians.

Before, four parties ruling coalition had a paper-thin majority of 71 out of 141 seats, now their votes are limited to 70. Another three member independent party suggested their support for the coalition in fundamental votes.