Politicians praise Sinkevičius but criticise his ministers

Mindaugas Sinkevičius’s government will reach its 100th day in office on Wednesday, with coalition partners praising its start and opposition politicians commending the prime minister’s willingness to engage while criticising his ministers, LRT reports.

Sinkevičius, the third Social Democrat to serve as prime minister, set three priorities when he took office: reducing divisions in society, being able to neutralise drones and balloons, and increasing the number of births.

Politicians gave mixed assessments of progress. Liberal Movement leader Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen said family policy had received formal attention but no effective measures to increase the birth rate had been presented. Conservative leader Laurynas Kasčiūnas said there would be no breakthrough in defence or air defence. Lithuanian Farmers and Greens Union leader Aurelijus Veryga described the government’s start as good, while Democrat Union “For Lithuania” leader Virginijus Sinkevičius called it a normal beginning, with discussion and disagreement.

Opinions also differed on how the prime minister compares with his predecessors, Inga Ruginienė and Gintautas Paluckas. Veryga said Sinkevičius was probably the best overall choice of the three. Remigijus Žemaitaitis, leader of Nemunas Dawn, called his performance a “tragedy” and said he had expected the prime minister to be more decisive.

Sinkevičius replaced Ruginienė and brought the Democrats into the coalition in place of Nemunas Dawn. Democrat Union leader Virginijus Sinkevičius said the change would mean less political chaos. Kasčiūnas praised the prime minister’s state-minded approach on some issues and his willingness to listen, facilitate discussions and talk with traditional political opponents.

Kasčiūnas said the government as a whole was not inspiring and deserved a lower mark than its head. Politicians said the government’s biggest test was approaching: approval of the state budget in parliament. Opposition politicians and coalition partners have also criticised the finance minister and said he should change his working methods.