Lithuania’s proposed PM Sinkevičius sees need to replace government chancellor

Mindaugas Sinkevičius, the Social Democratic Party of Lithuania’s nominee for prime minister, has indicated he would seek to replace the current government chancellor, Eitvydas Bingelis, if confirmed as head of the new coalition cabinet, LRT reports.

“I think so, yes. The chancellor, as far as I know, also has other professional plans, so it’s not that someone…” Sinkevičius told the ELTA news agency.

He emphasised the need for a trusted figure to manage the Government Chancellery, allowing the prime minister to focus on core duties such as coordinating with the president, parliament, and political strategy. “You need someone who can take control of the chancellery, organise it, tighten things up, so that it doesn’t become another source of tension, problems, or issues,” he said.

Regarding the outgoing prime minister Ingrida Šimonytė’s team, Sinkevičius stated he intends to retain many of her advisors, balancing continuity with partisan considerations. “I think quite a few will stay. Some I know well. There are party members and fellow party members. I think continuity could remain,” he said.

However, Sinkevičius acknowledged pressure from within his party to ensure key positions are filled by Social Democrats, noting that many in Šimonytė’s current team are not party members. “The party raises this question quite sharply, and the logic is understandable. We go into elections, we win as a party, and then we bring in people who have nothing to do with our party,” he explained.

“Sometimes we find ourselves in a situation where we don’t have [party members]. We can’t decide appointments based solely on party membership. We need experience, qualifications, expertise. A party card alone isn’t enough. So we try to strike a balance,” he added.

Bingelis, who took office in December 2025, previously served in various roles, including as deputy minister of social security and labour, head of the International Organization for Migration’s Lithuania office, and chairman of the European Social Fund Agency’s board.

A coalition agreement was signed on Thursday by the Social Democratic Party, the Lithuanian Farmers and Greens Union, and the Democrats “For Lithuania” faction, with Sinkevičius designated as the prime ministerial candidate.