Finance minister draws criticism as Sinkevičius government marks 100 days

Lithuanian Finance Minister Taurimas Valys is facing criticism from both coalition partners and the opposition over his communication and handling of the budget, LRT reported as the government marked its first 100 working days.

The government’s main task is to agree on a budget, but politicians say Valys has not communicated enough with either coalition partners or opposition parties. The coalition’s Farmers and Greens Union and Democrats are also dissatisfied with aspects of the budget. Valys says he has taken the criticism on board and understands he needs to communicate differently and keep the public informed.

Questions about Valys’s suitability for the post were raised soon after his appointment. He rejected criticism of his expertise, saying claims that he had no relevant knowledge were “completely false” and part of a campaign against him.

In recent weeks, opposition politicians said they had been unable to arrange a meeting with the minister. Asked by journalists to explain parts of the budget, Valys declined to elaborate, saying he had already shared his views.

The government, led by Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius, has now passed the 100-working-day mark, a period when governments are traditionally given time to begin their work before facing sharp criticism. Opposition Conservative leader Laurynas Kasčiūnas praised Sinkevičius for taking a state-minded approach on some issues and being willing to listen. Farmers and Greens Union leader Aurelijus Veryga called the government’s start good.

Remigijus Žemaitaitis, leader of the Nemuno Aušra party, which was removed from the coalition, called the government a “tragedy” and said he had expected Sinkevičius to show more resolve.

Experts said the past two years had been more turbulent, and that the current government had avoided major scandals or incidents that disrupted the functioning of the state. They noted, however, that much attention had focused on the prime minister, his wife and issues related to a dissertation.

Coalition partners and opposition politicians agree that Valys is the government’s weakest link. Veryga urged him not to avoid coalition partners. Valys is the third finance minister of the current parliamentary term, following Rimantas Šadžius and Kristupas Vaitiekūnas. Democratic Union “For Lithuania” leader Virginijus Sinkevičius said previous finance ministers had also faced criticism during budget debates, but had been more direct about the figures.

Coalition partners are unhappy with the proposed budget deficit of 3.8 per cent and say the minister has not taken some of their proposals into account. They have said they may not support the budget. The opposition has also questioned whether Valys understands what it means to serve as finance minister.