Social Democrats seek new environment minister: Sinkevičius considering two candidates

The Social Democratic Party is searching for a new environment minister, with incoming prime minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius reportedly considering two candidates from the party, according to a report by LRT.

Seimas Environmental Protection Committee member Audrius Radvilavičius confirmed discussions with Sinkevičius about the possibility of becoming environment minister. Sources also mention fellow Social Democrat Alvydas Mockus as a potential candidate.

“Yes, I spoke with M. Sinkevičius. We exchanged opinions, I heard the prime minister’s expectations for the candidate, and we discussed my potential candidacy for environment minister. There were questions about my stance on certain pressing issues, as the Environment Ministry is quite broad, with many challenges to address,” Radvilavičius told journalists in Seimas on Thursday.

He noted that several candidates are under consideration, and a final decision is expected within days. “Perhaps my name is among those mentioned, but as I understand, no final decision has been made yet, as there are a few names being discussed for this position,” he added.

Mockus, another potential candidate, said he would seriously consider the role if offered. “I would certainly consider it with great responsibility, as it is an extremely complex field. If the party chairman makes such a decision and I am among the candidates, I would definitely look into this opportunity,” he told journalists.

Mockus highlighted his experience in environmental protection, including four years as an environmental protection inspector, a master’s degree in environmental engineering, and a master’s in public administration.

If appointed, he said his first priority would be analyzing the system’s efficiency. “We see the political landscape, but as politicians, we may not be as familiar with administrative policy. The ministry is broad, with many subordinate institutions, so the first tasks would be to inventory the current situation,” he explained.

Under the new coalition agreement, the Environment Ministry will be led by the Social Democrats. Currently, it is temporarily headed by Kastytis Žuromskas, delegated by the ousted “Nemuno aušra” party.

President Gitanas Nausėda will submit Sinkevičius’s candidacy for prime minister to Seimas on Thursday evening. The new government may see further changes, including potential replacements for Culture Minister Vaida Aleknavičienė and Interior Minister Vladislavas Kondratovičius, though Sinkevičius has not yet confirmed these changes.

“The time will come, and I will announce the full composition of the 14-member cabinet. Of course, I need candidates with experience and qualifications, but also drive, willingness to act, and the courage to take bold steps rather than just administer and play it safe,” Sinkevičius told Žinių radijas.

Seimas must decide on the new prime minister no later than one week after his presentation in the plenary session. The vote is expected to conclude the spring session.