Lithuanian Democrats party elects Sinkevičius as interim leader amid corruption scandal

The centre-right Democrats “For Lithuania” party has elected European Parliament member Virginijus Sinkevičius as its interim leader, state broadcaster LRT reports. The move follows corruption allegations against the party’s former chairman, Saulius Skvernelis, who is expected to face bribery charges in parliament next week.

Sinkevičius, currently a vice-chairman of the party, was selected during a board meeting on Friday. He emphasised that the Democrats are “not a one-person party” and pledged to avoid populism. “Such accusations—when the word ‘bribe’ is linked to a politician’s name—are shocking, a real blow,” he said of the Skvernelis case.

Two other board members, Linas Kukuraitis and Lukas Savickas, had been proposed as potential interim leaders but declined to run. Sinkevičius confirmed he would retain his European Parliament seat for now, adding, “We don’t know what the future holds.”

The party agreed to elect a permanent leader by August, with Sinkevičius describing the upcoming period as a “full reboot.” Neither Kukuraitis nor Savickas disclosed whether they would seek the permanent leadership role.

Skvernelis, who stepped down as party chairman amid the scandal, will remain a member of the parliamentary faction. Sinkevičius stated that if Skvernelis does not voluntarily waive his immunity next week, coalition partners would not intervene to block its removal.

Addressing speculation about potential shifts in the ruling coalition, Sinkevičius avoided direct comment but criticised opponents. “The one thing the governing coalition must agree on is a common denominator: what the priorities are and what this majority aims to achieve in its term. Two years have passed—both people and opinions in the coalition have changed,” he said.

Earlier, deputy chairman Savickas told journalists the board would make a “community-based decision” on interim leadership, acknowledging the challenges ahead. He confirmed no further party members had been questioned by law enforcement in the case.

Sinkevičius had publicly apologised to party members and voters on Thursday, calling the allegations a breach of trust. “I know words are poor comfort, but I sincerely apologise to everyone whose faith in our democratic community has been shaken,” he said, vowing stability: “We cannot afford to waver—we must stand like an immovable rock for our members, voters, and all Lithuanians who want constructive politics.”

Prosecutors have gathered evidence—including notebook entries and testimony from another suspect—alleging Skvernelis accepted a bribe. The pre-trial investigation stems from a broader 2025 probe into suspected corruption at the State Plant Service under the Agriculture Ministry, involving officials and organised-group activities.