Lithuanian Social Democrat Duchnevičius remains non-committal on joining new government

Robertas Duchnevičius, first deputy chairman of the Lithuanian Social Democratic Party (LSDP), has confirmed discussions with prime ministerial candidate Mindaugas Sinkevičius about potentially joining the incoming cabinet, but says he cannot yet confirm whether he will take a role, ELTA reports.

Speaking on the programme ELTA savaitė, Duchnevičius emphasised that he does not wish to leave his current position as mayor of Vilnius District Municipality. However, he stated that no final decision has been made, as Sinkevičius is still in the process of selecting candidates for ministerial posts.

“I cannot answer anything definitively because we have no clear picture yet. That information is in the public domain, but I don’t know where it comes from—some say one thing, others say another. As far as I know, Sinkevičius himself will only make decisions about candidates next week, perhaps meeting with people and consulting,” Duchnevičius said.

He added that providing premature answers would be misleading, and it would be better to wait for concrete developments. “Discussions are still ongoing with him, and the chairman himself is making the selections,” he noted.

Duchnevičius confirmed that he and Sinkevičius have discussed his potential involvement in the new government multiple times, though not specifically about the position of interior minister, as had been reported publicly. He stated that their conversations covered broader possibilities of his participation in the cabinet.

“Of course, we talk regularly. I am interested in the prime minister working effectively, and I am ready to support Sinkevičius in any way possible, whether I take a position or not. That is very important,” he said.

He acknowledged that forming a cabinet that balances trust, competence, and the “energy” Sinkevičius seeks is not straightforward. “I would prefer to let the prime ministerial candidate make these decisions himself,” Duchnevičius said, adding that public speculation about the cabinet’s composition is premature.

Duchnevičius also admitted that leaving his mayoral position would not be an easy decision. He recalled considering a government role after the 2024 Seimas elections but ultimately decided against it due to the complex political situation in his municipality, where he lacks a majority in the council.

President Gitanas Nausėda submitted Sinkevičius’s candidacy for prime minister to the Seimas on Thursday evening. Parliament will vote on his nomination next week. Reports suggest that 6–7 ministerial positions may change. The ruling coalition, comprising the LSDP, the Democrats “For Lithuania” and the Lithuanian Farmers, Greens and Christian Families Union, has already divided responsibility for the ministries. The Democrats will oversee the ministries of Energy, Health, and Agriculture. The Farmers’ faction will retain leadership of the Justice, Economy, and Innovation ministries, while the Social Democrats will provide ministers for the remaining portfolios.