Lithuanian MEP Sinkevičius open to running for leadership of Democrat Union

Virginijus Sinkevičius, acting chairman of Lithuania’s Democrat Union “For Lithuania,” has not ruled out standing in the party’s upcoming leadership election if local branches nominate him, LRT reports.

“I’ve had the responsibility of steering our party through a very challenging period,” Sinkevičius told ELTA. “If the party’s branches see my leadership as necessary and put forward my candidacy, I would certainly consider it without hesitation.”

He stressed, however, that no formal process has begun and that he does not want branches to face pressure in selecting a candidate. “They must decide for themselves who is truly best for the community and the most suitable leader,” he said, noting that difficult times lie ahead—including municipal elections in 2027 and parliamentary elections in 2028.

His comments follow the resignation of former party leader Saulius Skvernelis, who stepped down from both the party and its Seimas faction after prosecutors moved to strip his legal immunity. Skvernelis is under investigation in a high-profile corruption case involving allegations he accepted a €51,000 bribe through an intermediary. His immunity was revoked in a fast-track parliamentary vote on Thursday.