Changes in presidential office: three advisers leave team

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda's chief advisers Jonas Vytautas Zukas, Sonata Sulce and Aistis Zabarauskas are leaving the presidential team, the presidential office said on Thursday.

Gitanas Nausėda

Zukas plans to get engaged in private activity. Sonata Sulce, who has lead the president's Education, Science and Culture Group so far, will continue creative and scientific work, and Zabarauskas, head of the Communication Group, will get back into the private sector.

All three advisers have been part of the team since the beginning of Nauseda's term, and Zabarauskas also was in charge of communication during Nauseda's election campaign.

"I am truly grateful to my advisers for their contribution to the shaping of the president's policies during the first year. My trust in and respect for these people does not end with their last day in office but are joined by human gratitude," the president said in a statement. "The started work will be continued and expanded by new group leaders with their initiatives"

As of July 15, the National Security Group will be led by defense adviser Darius Kuliesius, and the Education, Science and Culture Group will be led by historian Jolanta Karpaviciene. A new head of the Communication Group will be announced in July.

BNS