Environment ministry candidate has valuable synergy, says presidential advisor

Social Democratic candidate for environment minister, Ieva Andriulaitytė, brings valuable synergy to the ministry’s areas of responsibility, according to presidential chief advisor Ramūnas Dilba, as reported by LRT.

Dilba noted that Andriulaitytė has diverse experience collaborating with institutions, representing municipal interests, and possesses academic and local government expertise. “The field is complex, but the candidate has experience that creates synergy which can be effectively utilised,” he said after a remote meeting between the president and the candidate.

He highlighted her understanding of municipal-level issues, many of which fall under the Environment Ministry’s horizontal oversight. “This practical knowledge of local problems can provide a positive impetus,” Dilba explained.

The advisor also emphasised the importance of Andriulaitytė’s experience representing Lithuania on current EU issues, particularly as the country prepares for its EU Council presidency, where environmental protection will be a key focus.

During the meeting, President Gitanas Nausėda raised questions about the Forest Law, housing affordability—especially in regions—national housing strategy, accelerating renovation rates, and territorial planning and water management issues.

Dilba stated that the president sought to hear the candidate’s positions on various sectoral challenges but declined to comment on her preparedness. “The president had the opportunity to listen, ask questions, and hear her opinions. He will make a decision when confirming the entire cabinet,” he said.

President Nausėda signed a decree appointing Mindaugas Sinkevičius as prime minister, with Seimas approval. Sinkevičius must present a formed and president-approved cabinet to parliament within 15 days, along with a government program for consideration. The ruling coalition—comprising the Social Democrats, the Democrats “For Lithuania,” and the Farmers, Greens, and Christian Families Union—has divided ministerial oversight.

The Environment Ministry is currently led on an interim basis by Kastytis Žuromskas, previously delegated by the “Aušra” faction. Dilba also noted that Andriulaitytė sees a need for an audit of the ministry, aligning with incoming Prime Minister Sinkevičius’ suggestion that new ministers should review previously managed portfolios.

“The candidate also identified this need,” Dilba said, though he did not confirm whether the presidency shares this view. “Once the minister starts work, she will assess whether there are signs of harm. The need for such an audit will become clearer in the first days.”