Lithuanian politician expresses condolences on the death of former Prime Minister Prunskienė
Translated from Lithuanian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Lithuanian politician Remigijus Žemaitaitis expressed condolences on the death of Kazimira Danutė Prunskienė, the first Prime Minister of the restored Independent Lithuania and a signatory of the Act of Independence.
- Prunskienė was a prominent figure in Lithuania's independence movement, serving as Prime Minister during a challenging period of international recognition efforts and Soviet pressure.
- She remained active in politics for decades, holding positions such as Member of Parliament, Minister of Agriculture, and running for president three times, reaching the second round in 2004.
Remigijus Žemaitaitis has offered his sincere condolences following the passing of Kazimira Danutė Prunskienė, a pivotal figure in Lithuania's modern history. Prunskienė was the first Prime Minister of the restored Independent Lithuania and a signatory of the 1990 Act of Independence.
Žemaitaitis reflected on Prunskienė's legacy, stating, "Time, history, and God best evaluate the work and contribution of politicians. Everything else is just empty words and sand between the fingers." He extended his sympathies to her family, friends, and colleagues, wishing them strength during this difficult time.
Kazimira Prunskienė was a distinguished economist and professor, recognized as one of the key architects of Lithuania's independence. As a founder of the Sąjūdis movement, she played an active role in the nation's crucial steps toward freedom. In March 1990, she assumed the role of Prime Minister, leading the government through a period of immense difficulty, including the struggle for international recognition and the economic blockade imposed by the Soviet Union.
During her premiership, Prunskienė engaged extensively with international leaders, seeking global support for Lithuania's declared independence. After stepping down as Prime Minister, she continued her active involvement in Lithuanian politics for many years. Her political career included serving as a Member of Parliament, Minister of Agriculture, leading political parties, and making three attempts at the presidency, notably reaching the second round of the 2004 presidential election.
Time, history, and God best evaluate the work and contribution of politicians. Everything else is just empty words and sand between the fingers. I sincerely sympathize with the family, relatives, colleagues, and like-minded people of the deceased. Strength to you in this difficult hour.
Originally published by Delfi in Lithuanian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.