MP Simonyte agrees to head conservatives' list in general election

Gabrielius Landsbergis, the conservative party's chairman, confirmed this to BNS on Tuesday.

"I am glad that Simonyte accepted the invitation," Landsbergis said. "Her decision is important news for the public. Her experience, competence and the highest standards of transparency and ethics are a big asset for the state as a whole."

"In times of crises, populism and apathy, we need politicians who are competent, speak clearly and, most importantly, strictly adhere to values to help restore confidence in the state," he added.

Landsbergis hopes that Simonyte's decision "will encourage other people who have achieved a great deal in their professional fields to step into political life and choose to work for the state".

"Lithuania deserves normal and responsible politics oriented towards solving real, genuine, long-standing problems of society and the state," he said.

The 45-year-old former finance minister ran for Lithuanian president last year, but was defeated by Gitanas Nauseda in the runoff.