Savickas open to energy minister role but rules out Vaičiūnas in Democratic team

Lukas Savickas, the elder of the Democratic Party “For Lithuania” faction in the Seimas, has not denied reports that he may be offered the energy minister portfolio in the new government, stating he would not refuse such a proposal, LRT reports.

Savickas, who has a decade of experience in economic policy in both government and parliament, said energy is a familiar field for him. “I would like to maintain a general principle, but essentially, we can talk about the sector itself—I certainly don’t feel like a stranger to this area,” he told ELTA’s weekly program. He added that a decision on his potential appointment could come within the next week or so.

However, Savickas confirmed that Žygimantas Vaičiūnas, the current energy minister, is no longer considered part of the Democratic team. Vaičiūnas chose to continue as a Social Democrat-delegated minister after Democrats were removed from the coalition, a move Savickas described as having consequences. “That decision has its implications today—that team is no longer the Democratic team,” he said. Still, Savickas acknowledged Vaičiūnas’ contributions, including protecting the energy sector from harmful interests.

On Thursday, the Social Democrats, Democrats, and the Farmers and Greens Union signed a coalition agreement, naming Mindaugas Sinkevičius as the new prime minister. The Democrats were assigned the Agriculture, Energy, and Health ministries, while the Social Democrats retain nine portfolios, and the Farmers and Greens keep Economy and Innovation, and Justice.

The current ruling majority in the Seimas holds 80 seats. If the new coalition forms, it would have 75 votes. Tensions in the existing coalition grew after some partners failed to support the establishment of the Kapčiamiestis military training ground.