Social Democrats weigh replacing foreign minister with Vilnius mayor in coalition reshuffle

Lithuania’s ruling Social Democratic Party is considering major changes to its coalition government, including potentially replacing Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys with Vilnius Mayor Mindaugas Sinkevičius as prime minister, LRT reports.

The party’s governing council will meet on Saturday to decide its next steps, though officials have remained tight-lipped about the exact plans. Options under discussion include removing Budrys—a figure long seen as unpopular within party ranks—renegotiating the coalition without the liberal Nemuno Aušra faction, or even restructuring the cabinet with Sinkevičius at the helm.

Social Democratic MP Orinta Leiputė confirmed that party leader Sinkevičius has the authority to shape political strategy but declined to specify which scenarios were being considered. “Opinions vary, but we operate democratically,” she said.

Liberal faction leader Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen downplayed speculation about a split with Nemuno Aušra, noting that “red lines” had been frequently discussed but no firm decisions made. The faction’s leader, Remigijus Žemaitaitis, likewise dismissed talk of changes but acknowledged internal debates over whether the coalition still served their interests.

Opposition conservatives have criticised the uncertainty, arguing that leadership shifts would undermine Lithuania’s upcoming EU Council presidency. “Questioning the foreign minister’s role now is irresponsible,” said TS-LKD MP Jurgis Razma, pointing to Budrys’ established international contacts.

Prime Minister Ingrida Ruginienė has repeatedly expressed confidence in Budrys, calling him one of the government’s most highly rated ministers. President Gitanas Nausėda also weighed in, questioning why discussions focused on a single minister rather than broader coalition dynamics.

Sources suggest Budrys’ stance on issues like Belarus sanctions and ties with China has strained relations with coalition partners, who view him as too closely aligned with the president. His recent comments on Kaliningrad have further fueled tensions.

Budrys, currently in Brussels, has maintained that Lithuania’s position on Belarus sanctions enjoys unanimous parliamentary support. Meanwhile, conservative MP Laurynas Kasčiūnas speculated that the coalition might yet rally around Nemuno Aušra leader Žemaitaitis to preserve stability.