Valys addresses doubts about his competence: I will avoid repeating myself, all information is public

Finance Minister-designate Taurimas Valys has responded to public doubts about his competence by stating he will no longer repeat details about his experience and education, as all relevant information is already publicly available.

“Regarding your doubts about my lack of background in economics and other matters, it is very difficult to prove that you are not a fool. I think I will avoid repeating myself about my competencies, qualifications, and education—this is public information, and you can verify it,” Valys told a meeting with the Liberal faction in the Seimas.

Questions about Valys’ suitability for the role intensified after last week’s meeting with the Conservative faction, where he reportedly felt examined by lawmakers. Some politicians claimed he was unprepared, while Valys stated he does not allow anyone to belittle him.

He acknowledged the challenge of addressing multiple economic topics in a single response but emphasized his goals as minister: ensuring economic growth, maintaining fiscal discipline, and managing inflation.

“Naturally, when answering under time pressure, you cannot cover all these topics in one sentence. But it is clear that when we talk about sustainable economic growth balanced with fiscal policy, the goal is to control inflation and maintain GDP growth. We cannot expect to cover everything in one answer,” Valys explained.

Public records show Valys holds a bachelor’s degree from Vilnius University’s Institute of International Relations and Political Science, a master’s in law and public administration from Mykolas Romeris University, and a master’s in business administration from Vilnius University. He is currently pursuing a PhD in social sciences at Vilnius Gediminas Technical University.

Valys also serves as Deputy Foreign Minister, a member of the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Deputy Chairman of the Innovation Agency, and a board member of Invest Lithuania. He has extensive experience in the private sector.

President Gitanas Nausėda signed a decree last week appointing Mindaugas Sinkevičius as Prime Minister, with parliamentary approval. The new government will assume office once the Seimas approves its program. A vote on the program and the swearing-in of the 21st cabinet are scheduled for next week.

The ruling coalition consists of the Lithuanian Social Democratic Party, the Democrats “For Lithuania,” and the Lithuanian Farmers and Greens Union.