The defection of Zuokas (pictured above) appeared to catch the Lithuanian political establishment by surprise.

VILNIUS — President of the Liberal and Center Union, Artūras Zuokas, has signaled his intentions to leave his party and form a rival party called Taip! (Yes!).

Jockeying in the Seimas has been rife in 2010 and Liberal and Center has been repeatedly rumored to be breaking away from the coalition. This move, however, was unexpected.

Zuokas said that he is optimistic about the building of a party with broad-thinking people. It will be new movement based on responsible liberalism and the right ideology, he said.

Former health minister Algis Čaplikas, Liberal and Center vice president told Verslo Žinios that there was no news of the initiative earlier, but said that it wasn’t surprising.

“This is not unexpected. For a time Mr. Zuokas has been actively participating in party activities. This is not surprising and can be understood. Everyone chooses his own way,” Čaplikas said.

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