Ministers in the spotlight say they have not yet discussed future with M. Sinkevičius

Ministers whose political future is being publicly debated have stated they have not yet discussed their roles with Mindaugas Sinkevičius, who is seeking the prime minister’s post, reports LRT, citing BNS.

Finance Minister Kristupas Vaitiekūnas told journalists on Tuesday that his conversations with Sinkevičius have so far focused on work-related issues, financial situations, and fiscal policy. “I really don’t want to back someone into a corner and extract an answer. (…) I haven’t planned any meeting so far,” he said.

Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys, frequently mentioned as a possible candidate to step down, also confirmed he has not yet spoken with the Social Democratic leader. “No, I haven’t. No meeting has been planned yet to discuss this (the future in the Cabinet). The government has just resigned, everything in due time,” Budrys told BNS.

Interior Minister Vladislavas Kondratovičius, whose name has also been circulating in discussions about potential changes, said he too has not discussed his future with Sinkevičius. “No, I haven’t. I don’t even have it on my schedule yet. We’ll see how it goes,” he said.

Culture Minister Vaida Aleknavičienė, whose position is also under speculation, emphasized she is continuing her work and has not yet had any conversations about the future with the potential next prime minister. “No, we haven’t talked. We are all still doing our jobs, as you can see. We haven’t planned anything yet, we’re just working at the moment,” she told BNS.

BNS reported that the ruling coalition, led by Social Democratic Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė, ended its term on Tuesday after the Social Democrats terminated their agreement with the “Nemuno aušra” party. A new majority was formed by the Lithuanian Social Democratic Party, the Democratic Union “For Lithuania,” and the Lithuanian Farmers, Greens, and Christian Families Union. This coalition holds 75 seats in the Seimas.

According to the coalition agreement, at least four ministers will change in the new cabinet: Democrats will lead the Agriculture, Energy, and Health ministries, while Social Democrats will take over the Environment Ministry. Inga Ruginienė is expected to return to the Ministry of Social Security and Labour.

Politicians have not yet disclosed potential candidates for ministerial positions, citing the need to coordinate names with President Gitanas Nausėda.