Social Democrats see no obstacle to Sinkevičius becoming prime minister
The deputy leader of Lithuania’s Social Democratic Party (LSDP), Robertas Duchnevičius, has stated there would be “no problem” if party chairman Mindaugas Sinkevičius were to assume the role of prime minister, though the current premier Inga Ruginienė retains the party’s confidence, LRT reports.
Speaking to journalists after a party council meeting on Saturday, Duchnevičius said Sinkevičius “could hold the same position” but emphasised that Ruginienė’s work continues to satisfy the party. “We will see how the entire government coalition aligns, and then the question of the prime minister will be discussed,” he added.
Duchnevičius, who also serves as mayor of Vilnius District, welcomed Sinkevičius’ decision to end the coalition agreement with the Nemuno aušra (Nemunas Dawn) party, led by Remigijus Žemaitaitis. He described the move as a long-maturing step, noting that Sinkevičius, as party leader, had taken full responsibility for the decision.
“Perhaps there was no single final straw—it simply ripened over time,” Duchnevičius said. “The election of new leadership was meant to resolve everything, and the chairman’s role as leader was crucial here. Sinkevičius took this decision upon himself, and the entire board supports him. I am glad the board listened and accepted the proposal put forward by the chairman.”
He underscored that the party leader bears responsibility for steering the party’s direction.
The Social Democrats announced on Saturday their decision to terminate the coalition agreement with Nemuno aušra, citing Žemaitaitis’ public statements, political actions, and the tension they generated. The party stated that his political accountability for the positions held by his faction no longer met the standards of trust, responsibility, and stable governance required.
The current coalition—comprising the Social Democrats, Nemuno aušra, and the Lithuanian Farmers and Greens Union—was formed last summer following the resignation of then-prime minister Gintautas Paluckas.
Tensions within the coalition escalated after some governing partners in the Seimas (parliament) failed to support the establishment of a military training ground in Kapčiamiestis. Sinkevičius, then acting as interim party chairman, had pledged to clarify his stance on the coalition’s future during the party congress in early May but ultimately deferred the decision until a later assessment of all circumstances.
Criticism of the coalition with Nemuno aušra had been voiced repeatedly by some LSDP members, while President Gitanas Nausėda had increasingly criticised the Social Democrats’ collaboration with the party. Last month, the Financial Crime Investigation Service (FNTT) conducted searches in the Seimas offices, residences, and party headquarters of Nemuno aušra leader Žemaitaitis and his deputy Daiva Petkevičienė. Following the raids, Nausėda stated that precise investigative work would help “clear the political environment of things that have no place in politics.”