The Lithuanian Peasant and Greens Union won 54 of the 141 seats in the second-round of voting on Sunday, beating both the traditional Homeland Union (conservative) and Social Democratic parties. The Peasants and Greens, seen as a centre-right party, now need to form a coalition to govern the Baltic country.

The Peasants and Greens have promised more government intervention in the economy to restore economic growth and curb emigration, which has led to a 10% decline in the Lithuanian population over the past 10 years.

The Lithuanian economy was badly hit by the Russian ban on EU food products. Dairy exports, an important industry for the country, plummeted as a result and milk prices fell under 17c/l in June, before recovering to around 20c/l last month.

Agribusiness leader

The leader of the Lithuanian Peasant and Greens Union is Ramunas Karbauskis, the founder of the Agrokoncernas agribusiness group.

Agrokoncernas 50 companies in the seed, fertiliser, sprays, machinery and farming advice sectors report €400m in annual sales. According to the Lithuanian channel TV3, Karbauskis, directly or indirectly, owns 30,000ha of agricultural land.

Karbaukis himself is not running for prime minister. Instead, his party has nominated former police chief Saulius Skvernelis.

Lithuanians are the third-largest group of non-nationals living in Ireland. There were more than 36,000 living here at the time of the 2011 census.