Kukuraitis leaves it to president to explain his doubts

Linas Kukuraitis, a candidate for health minister, said he would leave it to the president to explain why he has doubts about the nomination, following a meeting with Gitanas Nausėda on Tuesday, LRT reports.

The president has reserved time to consider Kukuraitis’ candidacy. “I think that is the president’s right, but I truly value the conversation positively and appreciate that the president cares about healthcare issues,” Kukuraitis said.

During the meeting, the president reportedly expressed concerns about whether Kukuraitis could manage the healthcare system. Kukuraitis responded that while some healthcare indicators in Lithuania are strong, others—such as preventable mortality and hospitalisation rates—lag behind European standards.

“Healthcare is one of our most important public goods. If managed well, it brings great value to society. If not, we face many problems,” he said, acknowledging the president’s concerns reflect broader systemic challenges.

Kukuraitis, a former social security and labour minister and current MP, noted that the Social Democrats unexpectedly offered the health ministry to his party during coalition talks. He emphasised the need to continue the work started by current Health Minister Marija Jokubauskienė, particularly in improving accessibility of public health services.

His priorities, if appointed, would include a significant push in public health, with a focus on children’s mental and physical well-being.