Virginijus Sinkevičius does not believe finance minister Taurimas Valys is a “cosmonaut”

Virginijus Sinkevičius, leader of the ruling Democrats, has stated he does not believe that newly appointed Finance Minister Taurimas Valys is a “cosmonaut,” as some critics have suggested, LRT reports.

“I’m not sure, I think not. And, in general, knowing his professional path, it’s as if he hasn’t gone through any selection process,” Sinkevičius told Žinių Radijas on Thursday.

He recalled that during the previous term, Lithuania began a process allowing its citizens to participate in astronaut or cosmonaut selection. “But I remember that last term, this path was started, where Lithuania is now part of the selection, and Lithuanians can choose to become cosmonauts or astronauts—I don’t know which term is more accurate here,” he said.

Sinkevičius emphasised that any minister meeting with parliamentary factions must be prepared to answer questions. “In this case, when meeting with the opposition, you have to be prepared. It’s basic hygiene—that is, basic respect for MPs, regardless of which faction you’re meeting with,” he said.

“Only good preparation and the ability to answer questions can help you, so to speak, hold your own and not get flustered. In this case, I would advise every minister to be less tense, and firm answers will help them avoid that tension,” he added.

The criticism of Valys follows a recent meeting with the conservative faction, where he reportedly struggled to answer questions. Conservatives claimed the minister was unprepared, while Valys stated that it was difficult to cover many topics in a single answer but reaffirmed his commitment to economic growth, fiscal discipline, and managing inflation.

Valys holds a bachelor’s degree from Vilnius University’s Institute of International Relations and Political Science, a master’s in law and management from Mykolas Romeris University, and a master’s in business administration from Vilnius University. He is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in social sciences at Vilnius Tech.

The new government, led by Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius, was sworn in on Tuesday. The ruling coalition consists of the Lithuanian Social Democratic Party, the Democrats “For Lithuania,” and the Lithuanian Farmers, Greens, and Christian Families Union.