Brussels, 26/02/2009 (Agence Europe) - Dalia Grybauskaité, Budget Commissioner, said on Thursday 26 February that she would be running for the presidential election of 17 May in her homeland of Lithuania. “I can and want to use my experience, my knowledge and my ability to chase the gloom” of political and economic life in Lithuania and to “create a state for citizens”, she told the press. Ms Grybauskaité informed José Manuel Barroso, who has authorised her to take “electoral leave” from 17 April (one month before the first round of elections), of her intention. “Until then, the commissioner will fully carry out her duties in Brussels”, a spokesperson explained. Mr Barroso is expected to decide who shall be given Ms Grybauskaité's portfolio during her campaign in Lithuania. Should Ms Grybauskaité be elected, Lithuania will have to designate a replacement for her at the Commission for the last months of her mandate (which would normally end on 31 October but which could be prolonged until January 2010 pending the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty). (H.B./transl.jl)