Lithuanian PM candidate Sinkevičius expects 6–7 ministerial changes in his government

Lithuanian Prime Minister candidate Mindaugas Sinkevičius has said that 6–7 ministers will be replaced in his government, as reported by LRT.

Speaking to journalists at the Seimas on Thursday, the leader of the Social Democrats stated: “Newcomers will be invited to meet the president—there will be, I don’t know the exact number, but possibly six or seven of them.”

It is already clear that candidates for the positions of agriculture, energy, and health ministers will be among the changes, as these portfolios have been allocated to the Democratic Union “For Lithuania,” which is returning to the coalition. The environment minister will also change, with the Social Democrats taking over the position from the “Nemuno Aušra” party.

Former Prime Minister Ingrida Ruginienė, who has stepped down, is expected to return to her role as Minister of Social Security and Labour. Current Minister Jūratė Zailskienė, according to Sinkevičius, could become Deputy Speaker of the Seimas. “We would definitely like to see Jūratė Zailskienė in the position of Deputy Speaker,” he said.

Sinkevičius also noted that in some ministries, the political teams rather than the ministers themselves may change. “I won’t go into detail, but it’s possible that the minister remains, but the team changes radically—in terms of chancellors, deputy ministers, and so on,” he explained.

Earlier, BNS reported that in mid-June, the leaders of the Lithuanian Social Democratic Party, the Democratic Union “For Lithuania,” and the Lithuanian Farmers, Greens, and Christian Families Union signed a new coalition agreement. This coalition holds 75 seats in the Seimas.

The 42-year-old leader of the Lithuanian Social Democratic Party (LSDP) presented himself to parliamentarians on Thursday. The Seimas plans to vote on his appointment as head of government next week, on June 30. Before that, the candidate will meet with the Seimas factions.