Criticism and doubts arise over Plepytė’s dismissal
Experienced diplomat Audra Plepytė will not retain her position as deputy foreign minister in the new team of Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys, LRT.lt reports.
Political scientist Ignas Kalpokas told LRT.lt that Budrys likely had little influence over the selection of his deputies. Plepytė, a former Lithuanian ambassador to the US, served as deputy foreign minister in the previous government. Neither the opposition nor Kalpokas understand why she was removed from Budrys’ team, with her role instead given to less experienced individuals affiliated with the Social Democratic Party.
Minister of Economy and Innovation Mindaugas Sinkevičius confirmed on Tuesday that Plepytė would not continue as deputy foreign minister but did not provide further details or reasoning for the decision.
The move has drawn criticism from opposition politicians. Conservative MP Žygimantas Pavilionis accused Budrys of prioritising party loyalty over professionalism, stating that Plepytė had been one of Lithuania’s most effective ambassadors to the US, “opening all doors” for Budrys in Washington. Pavilionis warned that such decisions could come at a high cost to Lithuania’s long-term strategic interests.
Former Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė also commented on social media, suggesting the current government was the first in a long time to openly demonstrate a lack of competence. She noted that, by law, ministers should select their own teams, yet decisions now appeared to be dictated by party leadership.
Plepytė herself announced her departure on social media, stating she did not regret her time in the role. She described the past year as intense and rewarding, offering new experiences and opportunities to represent Lithuania and advance its interests. She thanked Budrys and her colleagues and wished the new team success.
Kalpokas added that while it was not unusual for ministers to be party-affiliated, the role of deputy ministers required professional expertise, which should take precedence over party loyalty for the effective functioning of the ministry.