Lithuania’s foreign minister faces ousting as coalition partners debate his future

Lithuania’s foreign minister Kęstutis Budrys may be removed from his post as coalition partners prepare to decide his political fate this weekend, *LRT* reported Wednesday.

The ruling Social Democratic Party (LSDP) is set to discuss the future of the governing coalition on Saturday, with sources indicating that Budrys’s dismissal is under serious consideration. At least five Social Democrat lawmakers have privately criticised the minister’s foreign policy stance as misaligned with party and government positions, according to *LRT*.

Liberal Movement leader Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen, a coalition partner, acknowledged that while she does not expect broader changes to the government’s composition, Budrys’s position is the “most vulnerable” in the cabinet. His independent political stance—particularly on relations with Belarus and China—has clashed with the views of smaller coalition partners, including the “Nemuno aušra” (Dawn of Nemunas) faction and the agrarian “valstiečiai” (Farmers).

Čmilytė-Nielsen also noted that Budrys lacks strong political backing within the coalition, further weakening his standing. “It seems that if the Social Democrats decide to make no changes to the coalition, Budrys’s position will only grow more precarious,” she said. His close ties to President Gitanas Nausėda, who appointed him, add another layer of complexity—any move to dismiss him could signal a lasting shift in relations between the government and the presidency.

The Liberal leader did not rule out that LSDP chairman Mindaugas Sinkevičius, currently mayor of Jonava, could be eyed as a potential replacement. “There are signs he could take the role,” she said, citing his recent public statements on foreign policy issues, including the transit of Belarusian fertilizers—a topic central to the foreign minister’s portfolio.

Conservative opposition leader Laurynas Kasčiūnas was more blunt, telling *LRT* that Budrys is “counting his last days” in office. “From what I hear, decisions will be made this weekend. There could be a reshuffle, or even the formation of a new government,” he said.

Criticism of Budrys has mounted in recent months over his remarks on Kaliningrad, his approach to Belarus and China, and perceived mismatches with Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė’s foreign policy priorities. Disputes have reportedly arisen over a critical minerals agreement with the US, as well as Budrys’s regional visits, which some Social Democrats viewed as overly independent from party structures. Tensions escalated earlier this year when Šimonytė began personally commenting on foreign policy matters traditionally handled by the minister.

Seimas Speaker Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen, however, described Budrys as a “professional” who effectively represents Lithuania’s interests abroad. Robertas Duchnevičius, deputy chairman of the LSDP, dismissed the speculation as “subjective assessments” by some party members, insisting no official decision has been made.