Lithuanian social democrat leader criticises coalition partner for outburst in health committee

Lithuania’s Social Democratic Party (LSDP) leader Mindaugas Sinkevičius has criticised coalition partner Remigijus Žemaitaitis for his emotional outburst during a parliamentary health committee meeting, suggesting the lawmaker may need to reconsider his committee role if he cannot control his temper, LRT reports.

Sinkevičius told the ELTA news agency that if Žemaitaitis “cannot speak substantively, in a politically correct and sharp manner, we will ask the ‘Nemuno Aušra’ faction—while we remain in coalition with them—to propose other people we can engage in dialogue with, or perhaps he should change committees. Maybe he ended up in the wrong one and needs a calmer environment.”

“If someone cannot control their emotions, perhaps they need medication, anger management courses, or some other treatment,” Sinkevičius added, stating he would not tolerate verbal attacks on his team or ministers.

The remarks follow Žemaitaitis’ heated criticism of Health and Finance Ministry officials during a committee session on the use of the Compulsory Health Insurance Fund’s budget reserves. He accused ministry staff of being “swindlers” and demanded their resignation, while questioning why the fund’s reserves had been allowed to grow beyond the committee’s previously agreed 10–12% limit.

Žemaitaitis also claimed the financial shortfall—with hospitals providing €40 million in unpaid services—sent a message to citizens that “the state cannot afford to pay for your healthcare.” He called for an emergency committee meeting with both ministers present to resolve the funding crisis.