Kazimira Prunskienė to be laid to rest at Antakalnis Cemetery

Kazimira Prunskienė, a pivotal figure in Lithuania's struggle for independence and its first prime minister after regaining sovereignty, will be interred at Antakalnis Cemetery in Vilnius, specifically in the Alley of Signatories. The announcement was made by Gedas Salyga, an advisor to the prime minister.

Further details regarding the state funeral will be released later. Prunskienė's death was announced on Thursday, sending ripples through the nation. She was recognized as one of the most significant political personalities of Lithuania's independence restoration period.

An economist and professor, Prunskienė was a signatory of the March 11 Act, which declared Lithuania's independence. She was among the founders of the Lithuanian Sajudis movement, actively participating in the country's decisive steps toward freedom. In March 1990, she assumed the role of prime minister, leading the government during an exceptionally challenging period.

Her government navigated the complexities of seeking international recognition for Lithuania while facing intense pressure and an economic blockade from the Soviet Union. During this time, Prunskienė actively engaged with foreign leaders, seeking global support for the newly independent Lithuania. After stepping down as prime minister, she continued her active involvement in Lithuanian politics for several decades. She served as a member of the Seimas (parliament), Minister of Agriculture, led political parties, and ran for president three times, reaching the second round of the presidential election in 2004.