Kaunas mayor says working relationship with prime minister “practically non-existent”

Kaunas Mayor Visvaldas Matijošaitis has sharply criticised Lithuania’s government and parliament, stating that his working relationship with Prime Minister Ingrida Ruginienė is “practically non-existent,” LRT reports.

“There is practically no relationship with the prime minister. I’ve exchanged greetings with her a few times at events, and that’s it,” Matijošaitis told news outlet Delfi, adding that the municipality has long relied on its own resources and budget.

The mayor also directed criticism at the ruling Social Democrats, accusing them of frequent leadership changes, and described the quality of parliamentary work as in steady decline. “They [Social Democrats] change too quickly to get to know them. My view on the Seimas is that its quality isn’t just falling—it’s in freefall, and there’s hardly anyone left to talk to,” he said.

Matijošaitis claimed politicians spend much of their term making promises and preparing for the next election rather than governing effectively.

His remarks follow a decision by the Lithuanian Social Democratic Party (LSDP) council to restructure the ruling coalition, removing the “Nemuno Aušra” faction and initiating talks with the Democratic Union “For Lithuania.” Coalition negotiations are underway, with party leaders meeting in Brussels earlier this week. Further discussions among potential coalition partners are scheduled for Thursday.

Unconfirmed reports suggest possible cabinet changes, including replacements for Finance Minister Kristupas Vaitiekūnas, Interior Minister Vladislavas Kondratovičius, and Culture Minister Vaida Aleknavičienė. Speculation had also arisen that if Mindaugas Sinkevičius assumes the premiership, Ruginienė might take over as Speaker of the Seimas—a role currently held by Juozas Olekas, though Sinkevičius has since indicated Olekas should remain in the position.

The current ruling coalition holds 80 seats in the 141-member Seimas. A new coalition would command a slightly smaller majority of 75.