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Sinkevičius remains tight-lipped on Budrys’ future in new government

Social Democratic Party leader Mindaugas Sinkevičius, who has announced his candidacy for prime minister, has declined to reveal whether current Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys will retain his post in the incoming government, LRT reports.

“We tend to reduce everything to personalities, but what matters to me is substance, not just who stands behind it,” Sinkevičius said in a Delfi broadcast on Tuesday.

He confirmed he would discuss expectations with Budrys but stopped short of endorsing him as the best possible candidate for the role. “I cannot say that yet. What I can say is that it is natural—and I hope everyone understands—that a prime minister, in forming a government as a team, must select individuals with whom it is comfortable to work, easy to demand accountability, and easy to agree on how and at what pace the government’s joint programme will be implemented,” he said.

Sinkevičius also addressed the role of President Gitanas Nausėda in shaping both the previous and future coalitions, stating that he would seek consensus with the presidency. “If the prime minister is the prime minister, but someone else delegates and assembles the team for him, I don’t know if it’s fair to demand a masterpiece in that case. I think it would be proper for the political actors to gather and then create the tragedy, comedy, or drama themselves,” he said.

He added that it would be logical for the president to voice an opinion if cooperation with Budrys proved impossible. Sinkevičius expressed hope that discussions with Nausėda would be thorough and lead to an agreement, emphasizing that conflicts should be avoided in favour of a consensus based on the best interests of Lithuania rather than personal ambitions.

“I won’t engage in any power struggles. Naturally, if I am nominated for this position, there will be political consultations, discussions, and negotiations. It won’t be the case that I come in and say that I don’t care how my team looks—I just want to lead it. Naturally, I will have my position and will try to justify it with arguments,” he said.

Political circles have speculated that the Social Democrats are dissatisfied with Budrys’ performance as foreign minister. Coalition partners have also criticised him, alleging that he pursues his own agenda rather than the government’s programme. Sinkevičius has previously stated he cannot guarantee Budrys will remain in the post after the ruling majority is formed.

For his part, Nausėda has defended Budrys, stating that the minister performs his duties adequately and that he does not understand the criticism of a figure widely viewed positively by the public.

Sinkevičius also pledged to be an active prime minister in foreign policy, citing a particular interest in developments both across the Atlantic and within the EU and NATO partnerships. He acknowledged, however, that key questions—such as Lithuania’s stance on China—would need to be addressed in the coming months.