Social Democrat leader defends prime minister: no universities train leaders

There are no universities that prepare politicians to become prime ministers, ministers, or members of parliament, the leader of Lithuania’s Social Democratic Party (LSDP) said on Wednesday in response to criticism of Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė.

Mindaugas Sinkevičius, speaking on the Verslo žinios news outlet, argued that political experience is gained through gradual career progression—whether in local government, parliament, or the cabinet—rather than formal education.

“We all have our limitations,” Sinkevičius said. “There are no universities that train prime ministers, ministers, or MPs. Political careers are built through experience, through a kind of political apprenticeship, through climbing the political ladder step by step.”

Addressing claims that Ruginienė lacks competence, he acknowledged that while her enthusiasm is evident, deeper policy engagement may be needed in some areas. “Perhaps there are moments when that enthusiasm and those public appearances get the better of her—maybe she needs to delve deeper,” he said.

Sinkevičius also dismissed the idea that any politician’s work is flawless, noting that every government and prime minister faces criticism. “Everyone must improve, draw conclusions, reflect, and get better—ministers, MPs, all of us, myself included. No one is a genius on their own,” he said.

Ruginienė, nominated by the LSDP, assumed the premiership last year following the resignation of Gintautas Paluckas amid media investigations into his and his family’s business ties. A recent Delfi-commissioned poll by Spinter tyrimai placed her fifth in public approval for the role, with just 3.5% of respondents viewing her as the most suitable candidate.