Lithuanian MP suggests timely foreign minister replacement could reduce harm

Social Democrat MP Rasa Budbergytė has stated that replacing Lithuania’s foreign minister before the country assumes the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first half of next year could minimise potential damage, local news agency BNS reports.

Speaking to journalists on Thursday, Budbergytė addressed ongoing discussions about replacing current Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys with presidential advisor Deividas Matulionis. She noted that while she would have opposed such a change a month ago, her position has since shifted.

“As someone responsible for overseeing the EU Council presidency from the Seimas, I believe that if we act in time—even replacing the foreign minister—with a truly experienced person, someone long involved in foreign affairs, perhaps even with diplomatic and parliamentary experience, it would do less harm than leaving in place someone who doesn’t fit the team,” she said.

However, Budbergytė clarified that the issue was not discussed during Wednesday’s coalition negotiations, as the decision ultimately rests with the prime minister and president, who are constitutionally responsible for foreign policy. She cautioned that uncertainty over whether the prime minister or president’s stance might change makes the timing of such a discussion premature.

BNS previously reported that after the Social Democrats decided to exclude the “Nemuno Aušra” party from the ruling coalition and invite the Democratic Union “For Lithuania” instead, Social Democrat leader Mindaugas Sinkevičius did not rule out the possibility of interim party chair and MEP Virginijus Sinkevičius becoming foreign minister.

Budbergytė criticised the practice of party leaders working abroad, stating: “Even if he is interim, if he has the will, suits the prime minister, suits the president, why couldn’t he return from Brussels? No one is trolling him; these are serious matters. It’s not good when party leaders work in Brussels—just as it’s not good when our party leader works in Jonava.”

She added that while the party understands Sinkevičius’ obligations in Brussels, including family commitments and three children, no ultimatums or direct offers have been made. Current Foreign Minister Budrys has stated he has not discussed his future with Sinkevičius and remains ready to continue in his role.

Budrys, delegated by the Social Democrats, has faced criticism over his policies toward China and Belarus, as well as his statements on the Kaliningrad region, with accusations that he is continuing the foreign policy direction of the previous conservative government.