Sinkevičius faces conservative questions over €2 billion plan and Belarusian fertilizers

Lithuanian Social Democratic Party leader and prime minister candidate Mindaugas Sinkevičius answered questions from the Homeland Union–Lithuanian Christian Democrats in the Seimas on Monday, as reported by LRT.lt.

Conservatives asked why Sinkevičius did not run for prime minister nine months ago when Inga Ruginienė was nominated for the post. He responded that he had not been part of the then-ruling coalition with “Nemuno aušra” but felt responsible for leading the government after proposing to reform the coalition.

The opposition also questioned the cost of implementing programmatic commitments, estimated at €2 billion, and asked where the state would find the funds. Sinkevičius acknowledged that the exact figure could be debated but admitted the budget would require increased spending, with family policy and support for families with children as priorities.

“Part of the decisions agreed by the current ruling majority have a cost. The question is how we will manage this over time, as we still have two budgets and over two years of political action. The main cost centers are the reinvested profit relief and social issues,” he said.

Former prime minister Ingrida Šimonytė of the Homeland Union–Lithuanian Christian Democrats argued that the coalition’s program was too broad, leaving its implementation to the future government. She noted that some policies were set to take effect in 2031, pushing the responsibility onto future administrations.

On family policy, Sinkevičius admitted that despite increasing funding, results had not improved, with birth rates continuing to decline. He emphasized that the government would work to ensure that parents’ incomes do not decrease after having a child.

Conservative MP Daiva Ulbinaitė asked how to address poverty among people with disabilities, with over 40% facing financial hardship—the worst rate in the EU. Sinkevičius responded that tackling this issue was a priority, criticizing the lack of ambition in previous efforts.

Conservative leader Laurynas Kasčiūnas also asked whether Lithuania’s defense priority should be logistics—given recent military investments in heavy vehicles and equipment—or air defense. Sinkevičius stated that Lithuania must follow NATO requirements, with current priorities including air defense, hosting a German brigade by 2027, and forming a national division.

Regarding Lithuania’s relations with Belarus and reports of U.S. pressure to soften its stance, Sinkevičius stressed the importance of maintaining strong ties with Washington. He noted that partnerships are not one-sided and that Belarus is not a major negotiation priority for Lithuania, highlighting Lithuania’s contribution to the international mission in the Strait of Hormuz.

However, the Social Democratic leader did not disclose whether the Seimas would unanimously vote in February to extend sanctions on Belarusian fertilizers.