Prime minister Sinkevičius calm over dissertation: errors should not be substantial

Lithuanian Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius says he is “completely calm” about questions surrounding his doctoral dissertation, stating that any errors, if present, should not be significant, LRT.lt reports.

“I am completely calm. I wrote it 11 years ago and defended it publicly. For 11 years, the dissertation has been available in print at the Martynas Mažvydas National Library of Lithuania. ISM University noted that the work was not uploaded, but they had no complaints against me—perhaps it’s unclear who failed to upload it or if it was my oversight. The work is now uploaded and publicly accessible,” Sinkevičius told journalists on Tuesday.

He added that he wrote the dissertation himself and that no issues were raised at the time: “I wrote it myself. No one raised any problems 11 years ago. I think that even now, if some minor details are noticed, everyone can make mistakes, but they should not be substantial.”

Sinkevičius also noted that the public and media interest in his personal life, academic work, and professional career has intensified since he took office, calling it “a starting element for any official taking on such responsibilities.”

Recent public discussions have focused on the accessibility of Sinkevičius’s dissertation in information systems, as well as concerns about its quality, improper citations, and potential plagiarism. Questions have also been raised about the submission details of another of his academic works.

Archival researcher Daiva Vilkelytė pointed out on Facebook that Sinkevičius had stated in his dissertation documents that a second required research paper was submitted for publication a year earlier than it actually was.

Sinkevičius defended his doctoral dissertation at ISM University of Management and Economics in 2015.

Since becoming prime minister, Sinkevičius has chosen not to move into the official Turniškės residence, instead remaining in Jonava with his family. He stated that his security personnel are professionals and that their presence does not disrupt his family or neighbours.

“I don’t think it complicates my family’s or my neighbours’ lives. In fact, I think the neighbours appreciate that we now live in a safer environment, with officers working, overseeing, and helping me stay safe,” he said.

Addressing concerns about the time security officers spend commuting between Jonava and Vilnius, Sinkevičius said everyone must adapt to the situation. He added that he aims to balance his personal needs with the work of his security team and does not rule out occasionally using the official residence.