Lithuanian leaders paid their final respects Wednesday to Kazimira Prunskienė, the country’s first prime minister after the restoration of independence, remembering her as a unifying leader who helped lay the foundations of the modern Lithuanian state.
Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius said today’s government could draw inspiration from Prunskienė’s commitment to public service and sense of responsibility during one of the country's most challenging periods.
“Back then, it was necessary to build the state, lay its foundations and create institutions with patriotic people who loved their country,” Sinkevičius told reporters in Vilnius. “That was a truly difficult period, and what we can certainly learn is sincere work and responsibility. We must carry on that legacy because the process of building and developing the state never ends.”
Members of the cabinet and deputy ministers joined Sinkevičius in paying tribute to Prunskienė.
Parliament Speaker Juozas Olekas described Prunskienė as a leader who inspired others rather than simply directing them.
