VILNIUS, Lithuania (AP) — Lithuanian Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas stepped down Thursday, following investigations into his business dealings that prompted protests calling for his resignation.

Lithuania's Prime Minister, Gintautas Paluckas, announced his resignation amid controversy over business dealings with his sister-in-law's company. Accused of improper business ties, he cited 'past mistakes' as a catalyst for his decision.

Gintautas Paluckas, Lithuania’s prime minister and the leader of the ruling Social Democratic Party, has resigned from both positions following a series of journalistic investigations and mounting political pressure.