Matulionis denies he is a candidate for foreign minister

Presidential chief advisor Deividas Matulionis has denied speculation that he could become Lithuania’s next foreign minister, LRT reports.

“Why do you think I should be foreign minister? I am not a candidate for foreign minister, and I have no right to even consider such hypothetical questions,” Matulionis told journalists at the Presidential Palace on Wednesday.

Political circles have discussed the possibility that Matulionis, the president’s top advisor, might replace acting Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys.

Earlier, incoming Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius, leader of the Lithuanian Social Democratic Party (LSDP), said he could not guarantee that Budrys would remain in the post after a new ruling majority is formed.

President Gitanas Nausėda has repeatedly stated that Budrys is performing his duties well and remains the primary candidate to continue in the role. However, Nausėda has also said Budrys’ future in the position depends on progress in normalising Lithuania’s relations with China and implementing agreements with Taiwan.

On Tuesday, the president signed a decree appointing Sinkevičius as prime minister, a decision endorsed by the Seimas the same day. Sinkevičius must now present a government programme and cabinet lineup to parliament for approval within 15 days of his appointment. The government will assume office once the Seimas approves its programme by a majority vote.