Lithuanian parliament speaker names Sinkevičius as potential future prime minister

The speaker of Lithuania’s parliament, Juozas Olekas, has described Social Democratic Party leader Mindaugas Sinkevičius as a strong candidate to eventually become prime minister, though he stressed that the current government under Inga Ruginienė is performing effectively.

In an interview with the ELTA news agency, Olekas acknowledged Sinkevičius’ qualifications, citing his experience as a mayor, minister, and now party leader. “There is no doubt he could hold such a position—he has proven it in all his roles,” Olekas said. However, he noted that upcoming municipal and parliamentary elections would shape future leadership decisions.

Addressing recent criticism of Ruginienė, Olekas dismissed it as typical political opposition tactics. “Every prime minister faces criticism; the opposition’s goal is always to undermine the position,” he said, adding that the current government is delivering stable and positive results amid a complex geopolitical situation.

Olekas reiterated that while Sinkevičius is a capable candidate, Ruginienė remains an effective leader. “We have a prime minister who is working well, and we have Sinkevičius, who is also doing a good job as party leader,” he stated.

The comments follow calls from Virginijus Sinkevičius, leader of the Democrats’ “For Lithuania” party, for the Social Democrat chief to take over the government. Ruginienė has previously urged Sinkevičius to focus on his own party’s affairs instead.

Sinkevičius, elected as permanent leader of the Lithuanian Social Democratic Party in early May, has not ruled out a potential move to central government before the end of this parliamentary term—but insists any transition should occur naturally.

Ruginienė assumed the premiership last year after Gintautas Paluckas resigned amid media investigations into his business ties. A recent Delfi-commissioned poll by Spinter tyrimai placed her fifth in public approval ratings for the role, with just 3.5% of respondents backing her as the best choice for prime minister.