Lithuanian poll names Blinkevičiūtė fourth most suitable candidate for prime minister

A new public opinion survey places former Social Democratic Party leader Vilija Blinkevičiūtė fourth among politicians seen as most suitable to serve as Lithuania’s prime minister, LRT reports, citing data from research firm Spinter Tyrimai.

The poll, conducted April 18–28 for news portal Delfi, shows former Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė remains the top choice, with 16.8% of respondents backing her for the role—up from 15.3% in March. Liberal Movement leader Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen follows at 5.7% (down from 7.8%), while Freedom Party head Remigijus Žemaitaitis ranks third with 5.5% support (up from 4.9%).

Blinkevičiūtė’s support rose sharply from 1% to 3.9% over the past month, placing her ahead of current Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė, who saw her backing halve to 3.5% (from 7.5% in March). Ruginienė now shares fifth–seventh place with Kaunas Mayor Visvaldas Matijošaitis (1.6%) and Farmers and Greens Union leader Aurelijus Veryga (3.2%).

Rounding out the top ten are Homeland Union chairman Laurynas Kasčiūnas (2.4%), Democrats’ For Lithuania leader Virginijus Sinkevičius (2.4%), and former Prime Minister Algirdas Butkevičius (2%).

Government approval ratings continue to decline, with 74% of respondents viewing the Cabinet’s work negatively—a rise from 63.2% in March. Only 1.5% rate its performance positively (down from 2.7%), while 16% lean positive (versus 15.7% previously).

The survey sampled 1,021 residents aged 18–75 via combined phone and online interviews, with a margin of error of 3.1%.