Interior minister candidate says he heard no complaints from Sinkevičius

Acting Interior Minister Vladislav Kondratovičius says he received no criticism from designated Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius during their meeting on Monday, though the final decision on his future in the new government rests with the Social Democratic leader.

“There were no complaints, but the final call is the chairman’s—he forms the team based on his own considerations. Whatever he decides, that’s how it will be,” Kondratovičius told journalists at the government building on Wednesday.

He acknowledged uncertainty over his position: “There is a possibility, and there is no possibility. Maybe I will work, maybe I won’t. We’ll see today.”

Kondratovičius said the meeting was not intended to persuade Sinkevičius to retain him, but rather to provide a broader overview of the ministry’s work. “The goal was not to convince or not to convince. The goal was perhaps to present the field more broadly, and that’s it,” he said.

Asked about Social Democrat Martynas Katelynas, another potential candidate for the Interior Ministry post, Kondratovičius declined to comment. “I cannot evaluate; let the prime minister evaluate. If the prime minister proposes him, it means the prime minister believes he will manage,” he said.

Kondratovičius also declined to address a since-deleted 2021 social media post by Katelynas, in which Lithuanian officials were compared to Belarusian riot police (OMON). “I cannot comment. I’ve read something, but I don’t know the content or context. It’s hard for me to answer,” he said.

Sinkevičius confirmed on Tuesday that he had not yet made a final decision on Kondratovičius’ future. He has so far only discussed the matter by phone with Katelynas, who has been publicly named as a possible alternative.

President Gitanas Nausėda signed a decree on Tuesday appointing Sinkevičius as prime minister, a decision endorsed by the Seimas the same day. Sinkevičius now has up to 15 days to present a cabinet lineup and government program for parliamentary approval. The ruling coalition—comprising the Social Democrats, the Democrats “For Lithuania,” and the Farmers, Greens, and Christian Families Union—has already divided ministerial portfolios among its factions.