For instance, Prime Minister Algirdas Brazauskas told the Respublika newspaper in an interview: "Guided by generally-recognised democratic and moral principles, he (Paksas) should not run for presidency. It would be a shock to the world. I say it outright as a citizen. He should think of not only himself but the state, the people", Professor Toma Birmontene, specialising in constitutional law, believes that his participation in the off-year presidential election is not a matter of jurisprudence but morality. "There is no direct ban for that in the constitution. But it is the matter of political and moral responsibility", she said.
Many experts think that, even if Paksas runs for presidency, he will stand a little chance of winning it.
Lithuania's National Radio said that, according to the public opinion poll, Paksas will lose the off-year presidential election, most probably in the first round.
The poll has also shown that electors will prefer Valdas Adamkus, whom Paksas replaced a little over a year ago.
Owing to the presidential crisis, the change of power will cost Lithuanian tax-payers almost 17 million lits (1 dollar approximately equals 2.9 lits).
About as much is allocated annually from the state budget to all organisations doing with integration in the Invalids' Society.
