Lithuanian parliament grills nominated ministers ahead of government approval

The Lithuanian parliament (Seimas) is examining nominated ministers ahead of a planned vote to approve the new government’s programme, with opposition lawmakers questioning the legitimacy of the process and the preparedness of the candidates.

Opposition factions are considering an appeal to the Constitutional Court over the formation of Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius’ government, arguing that the programme was registered before the president formally appointed the ministers.

On Monday, nominated ministers met with opposition groups for questioning. The most scrutiny fell on Taurimas Valys, the nominated finance minister, whom even fellow Social Democrats called a “cosmonaut” for his perceived detachment from practical concerns.

Liberal MP Algirdas Sysas said of Valys: “We may have problems with finances. He doesn’t ask for advice, he’s convinced he knows everything.” Valys responded that he would “try to clarify these misunderstandings” but later faced sharp comparisons from Liberal MPs, including Simonas Kairys, who suggested Valys might be left “playing a polka on a violin” if economic turbulence hits.

Valys often deflected questions, stating that final decisions on issues like excise policy would require further data, including third-quarter results. Kairys retorted: “You’re still far from Čiurlionis, but you’re very close to becoming ‘Ignotas 2’,” referencing a satirical figure in Lithuanian political culture.

Nominated Environment Minister Ieva Andriulaitytė faced similar scepticism. When asked about protected areas, she replied, “Reserves,” prompting a Liberal MP to remark: “Thank you, the exam is passed.” Simonas Kairys later described her as unprepared, though she dismissed the criticism as part of the opposition’s role.

Andriulaitytė, whose appointment was described as the most surprising in the new cabinet, previously worked as a representative of the Lithuanian Association of Municipalities in Brussels. She stated her priorities would include forest policy, circular economy, and housing affordability.

Liberal MP Eugenijus Gentvilas summarised the nominated ministers’ performance as “political blunders.” Meanwhile, the nominated culture minister received rare praise from the opposition, with Conservative MP Vytautas Juozapaitis calling him “worthy of trust—until the first mistake.”