Lithuanian foreign minister dismisses speculation about possible dismissal as unwarranted

Lithuania’s Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys has declined to comment on reports that his future in the role may be decided at a weekend meeting of the Social Democratic Party (LSDP) council, calling the attention given to the issue “unjustified,” LRT reports.

Speaking to journalists on Friday, Budrys dismissed discussions about his potential removal, stating: “I will certainly not engage in who said what or how they commented. I believe this topic is receiving far more attention than it deserves. Let’s talk about foreign policy.”

The minister emphasised that Lithuania maintains a national consensus on foreign policy, with regular coordination between the government, president, and parliamentary committees. “We constantly discuss foreign policy—with the prime minister, the president, the party leader, the Seimas Foreign Affairs Committee, and the European Affairs Committee. There is broad agreement, and I am glad that foreign policy, as before, remains consensus-based. We have a national accord—let’s keep it that way,” he said.

Budrys also rejected suggestions of tension with Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė or LSDP leader Mindaugas Sinkevičius over his performance, stating he had received no negative feedback.

Earlier this week, LRT.lt cited sources indicating that the LSDP council, meeting on Saturday, could decide to replace Budrys, with some party members reportedly viewing his foreign policy stance as misaligned with government priorities. However, LSDP deputy chairman Robertas Duchnevičius denied knowledge of any such agenda item, calling the reports “subjective assessments” by certain colleagues.

President Gitanas Nausėda had previously dismissed the speculation as “irresponsible and unserious”, while Ruginienė and Seimas Speaker Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen have both expressed confidence in Budrys’ work. Unofficial criticism has focused on his statements regarding Kaliningrad, relations with Belarus and China, and perceived inconsistencies with government policy, including a dispute over a critical minerals agreement with the US.

Budrys, who is not an LSDP member, stated he had not been invited to the council meeting. “They will address the issues they have planned,” he said.