Vilnius, Lithuania ? Impeachment proceedings began Thursday against Lithuanian President Rolandas Paksas, with support building for removing him over allegations his office has close links to the Russian mafia.

In an event shown on live television across the country, a petition with 86 signatures from deputies in the 141-seat Seimas parliament was delivered to the body, launching a process that appears likely to result in Paksas’ ouster.

The allegations against Paksas that emerged in October have jolted this Western-oriented former Soviet Baltic republic, where many people fear the scandal could spoil Lithuania’s reputation just months before it joins the European Union and NATO.

For Paksas to be removed, 85 lawmakers must vote in favor — if the issue indeed comes to a vote. A parliamentary committee will first decide whether the charges merit going further. The process could last six months.

Only 36 deputies were required to initiate the process — but the fact that so many signed the petition suggested Paksas had little chance of surviving impeachment.

“The Paksas presidency is doomed,” said Rimvydas Valatka, a leading political analyst in the country. “Everyone in politics sees this — except the president himself.”

The 47-year-old former champion stunt pilot won a surprise victory in presidential elections in January against the heavily favored incumbent, Valdas Adamkus.