Lithuanian politician criticises defence ministry for lack of transparency on military spending

Lithuania’s defence funding decisions and spending lack sufficient transparency, with politicians and the Ministry of National Defence failing to adequately inform the public, Virginijus Sinkevičius, acting leader of the Democrats “For Lithuania” party, told national broadcaster LRT on Tuesday.

“There needs to be greater accountability to the public, as public funds demand maximum transparency,” Sinkevičius said. “The public should be presented with what is being done, which projects are underway, their timelines, and what is feasible—within the limits of what can be disclosed.”

Sinkevičius stressed that responsibility for communication should not fall on the military, but on politicians and the ministry. “The military is not the right institution to communicate with the public because it operates under a strict chain of command—there are orders and there is execution,” he explained. “In this case, it is the ministry and politicians who must take charge of communication.”

He acknowledged the military’s active public engagement, including social media and public statements, but insisted that accountability for explaining funding decisions rests with those who allocate the budget. “Politicians must take responsibility because they distribute public funds and approve budgets,” he said.

The criticism comes amid ongoing coalition negotiations in Lithuania, with Sinkevičius’ party in discussions to form a new ruling majority after the Social Democrats ended their partnership with the “Nemunas Dawn” faction. A meeting of negotiating teams from the three potential coalition parties is scheduled for Thursday.