Lithuanian lawmaker and Olympic athlete Jevgenijus Šuklinas remembered as warm and bright

Liberal Movement politician Eugenijus Gentvilas described the late parliament member and canoeist Jevgenijus Šuklinas as a “very warm and bright person” whose memory will be cherished, LRT reports.

Šuklinas, a Seimas member and Olympic athlete, died unexpectedly on Thursday at age 35. Colleagues across political parties paid tribute to his character, energy, and dedication to both sport and public service.

Speaker of the Seimas Juozas Olekas said Šuklinas was known for his intelligence and composure. “Whenever we met in Visaginas or at the Seimas, he was always approachable—smiling, never angry. I never heard a harsh word from him. We will miss his intelligence, his restraint,” Olekas told BNS.

Gentvilas, who knew Šuklinas for nearly a decade, recalled him as disciplined and responsible. “Only the best memories remain. He was a very organised, dutiful person. I think only a disciplined person can achieve success in sports, and he was the same in our community—always initiating and organising,” Gentvilas said. “Inside, he was a very warm, bright person. When I say bright, I mean he even loved wearing light-coloured suits—a light grey suit that gave him a bright aura. It reflected his character.”

The Liberal Movement’s official statement described Šuklinas as “full of energy and ideas,” highlighting his work for his hometown of Visaginas, sports, education, and community development. “We will remember Jevgenijus as active, strong, sincere, and bright,” the party wrote, extending condolences to his family, friends, and constituents.

Prime Minister Ingrida Ruginienė called Šuklinas an “outstanding individual” who inspired through his determination in both sports and politics. President Gitanas Nausėda remembered him as a “bold, life-loving optimist” whose energy and openness left a lasting impression.

Opposition leaders, including Social Democrat chairman Mindaugas Sinkevičius and Conservative leader Laurynas Kasčiūnas, also expressed condolences, with Kasčiūnas recalling Šuklinas as a “friendly colleague” and Olympic athlete.