Social Democrats nominate Taminskas for Vilnius mayor, name Pinelis list leader

Lithuania’s ruling Social Democrats have nominated Transport Minister Juras Taminskas for Vilnius mayor, while Povilas Pinelis will lead the party’s city council candidate list, LRT reported.

The decision was made at a conference of Vilnius Social Democrats on Friday. The conference also approved the party’s list for the city council. Pinelis currently leads the Social Democratic faction on the council.

In a statement, the party said Taminskas had extensive experience in public administration, local government and transport. Pinelis said Taminskas lived and worked in Vilnius, understood the challenges facing residents and had a clear vision for addressing them.

Incumbent conservative Mayor Valdas Benkunskas is seeking another term. Other candidates include Deputy Mayor Vytautas Mitalas of the Freedom Party and Liberal Simonas Gentvilas. The Democratic Union “For Lithuania” has nominated Jekaterina Rojaka, while the Farmers have nominated Deputy Justice Minister Kristina Zamarytė-Sakavičienė.

Other contenders include Seimas member and former Vilnius mayor Artūras Zuokas; MP Vytautas Sinica, leader of the National Union; Vilnius City Council member and Lithuania for All party leader Aleksandras Nemunaitis; and former television host Kristupas Krivickas.

The Lithuania Regions Party has nominated Salininkai local representative Violeta Fominienė-Salemonė. The Green Party has nominated Martynas Norbutas, a former deputy environment minister and transport innovation specialist.

Direct elections for mayors and municipal council members are scheduled for March 7, 2027.