Lithuanian PM criticises coalition partner for outburst over healthcare funding

Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė has condemned the behaviour of coalition partner Remigijus Žemaitaitis after his heated remarks during a parliamentary health committee meeting last week, stating that “shouting won’t solve funding issues,” LRT reports.

During the meeting, Žemaitaitis—leader of the Nemuno Aušra party—reacted angrily to reports that Lithuanian healthcare providers had delivered €40 million worth of unbudgeted services in the first quarter of 2026 but lacked funds to cover them. He accused officials from the Health and Finance Ministries of being “swindlers” and demanded they resign, saying: “Fill out your notices and leave your jobs.”

Ruginienė dismissed the outburst as unproductive, emphasising that complex issues require collaboration rather than theatrics. “Some politicians need to calm their emotions and let specialists work,” she said. “Turning serious strategic matters into a show is unacceptable. Whether someone shouts or not, money won’t appear because of it.”

The prime minister acknowledged long-standing financial pressures in the healthcare sector, noting that annual budget shortfalls force the government to seek additional funds by mid-year. “This isn’t the first time—every year, healthcare exhausts its resources by autumn, and we must find extra money,” she said. “The system needs unpopular but necessary reforms to retain specialists, especially in the regions.”

Ruginienė also addressed recent criticism from President Gitanas Nausėda, who questioned the performance of the Agriculture and Environment Ministries—both led by Nemuno Aušra appointees. She insisted the government was functioning smoothly and expressed confidence in all ministers. “You should ask the president about that,” Ruginienė told reporters. “The government works cohesively, and we trust our ministers.”

The president’s comments followed allegations by communications specialist Karolis Žukauskas, who published 10 questions for Environment Minister Kęstutis Žuromskas regarding potential conflicts of interest, including the appointment of a ministerial advisor linked to Žemaitaitis. Žuromskas has denied wrongdoing and refused to resign.