Social democrats replace Baranovas with Kondratovičius in Nalšia North constituency

The Lithuanian Social Democratic Party has replaced Ruslanas Baranovas with acting Interior Minister Vladislavas Kondratovičius as its candidate in the upcoming by-election for the Nalšia North constituency, Baranovas announced at a press conference.

Baranovas, a member of the Social Democratic faction in the Seimas, stated that he initially believed there would be no legal obstacles to his candidacy in the multi-member constituency, as he was already an elected MP. However, rising criticism and legal debates prompted him to withdraw his candidacy to avoid forcing the Central Electoral Commission to rule on the matter.

“When discussions arose, I saw various arguments, including from constitutional law experts. To avoid putting the Central Electoral Commission in a position where it would have to decide how to interpret this, I withdrew my candidacy today,” Baranovas said on Friday.

He dismissed accusations that the move was an attempt to deceive voters, stating that the situation was transparent. “The argument that we consider voters fools is itself an insult to voters,” Baranovas said. He added that he supports Kondratovičius as the new candidate.

Kondratovičius, who has been serving as acting Interior Minister, said his experience in the ministry would be an advantage in representing the regions of Visaginas, Ignalina, and Zarasai. “I accept the party’s decision to nominate me,” he said. He also noted that he has personal ties to the Aukštaitija region, as his great-grandparents originated from the area.

“Whether it’s a single-member or multi-member constituency, every MP is a representative of the entire nation,” Kondratovičius added.

The by-election in the Nalšia North constituency follows the unexpected death of MP Jevgenijus Šuklinas in May. The vote is scheduled for November 8.

The decision to initially nominate Baranovas sparked widespread public outrage, with criticism coming from MPs, legal experts, and former Constitutional Court judge Egidijus Kūris, who described the move as “not for honest people.”

Kondratovičius said he learned of the party’s decision to nominate him from party leader Mindaugas Sinkevičius on Thursday and received confirmation on Friday. He added that he had received various career offers but currently wants to finish his work at the ministry.