Lithuanian MP Katelynas does not confirm receiving offer to replace Kondratovičius as interior minister

Lithuanian MP Martynas Katelynas has not confirmed whether he has received an offer to become the new interior minister, replacing acting minister Vladislavas Kondratovičius, LRT reports.

Katelynas, deputy to Prime Minister-designate Mindaugas Sinkevičius in the Lithuanian Social Democratic Party, told journalists on Thursday that he would consider any such offer if received. “We often speak with the party chairman, but I wouldn’t want to comment on any private conversations,” he said. “We discuss many ministerial positions, so I wouldn’t want to single out just one.”

According to the Lrytas portal, citing unnamed sources, Kondratovičius may not retain his position in the new government, with Katelynas as a potential replacement. Katelynas stated he takes all state service responsibilities seriously and would “consider, evaluate, and see what could benefit the state” if formally approached.

Sinkevičius has not yet disclosed whether he intends to replace Kondratovičius. In an interview with Žinių radijas, he said that in forming the new cabinet, he would consider not only candidates’ experience but also their energy and decisiveness. “The time will come, and I will certainly announce the entire 14-member cabinet composition. Of course, I need both experience and qualifications, but also drive, willingness to act, and the courage to act rather than just administer and play it safe,” Sinkevičius said.

On Thursday evening, President Gitanas Nausėda will submit Sinkevičius’s candidacy for prime minister to the Seimas. Parliament must decide on the new prime minister within a week of his presentation, with a vote planned for June 30. The approval requires a simple majority.

If confirmed, Sinkevičius must present the formed and president-approved cabinet, along with the government’s programme, to the Seimas within 15 days of his appointment. The government receives its mandate once a majority of participating MPs approve its programme.

Under the coalition agreement signed by three Seimas factions, the Democrats will take the Health, Agriculture, and Energy ministries. The Lithuanian Farmers and Greens Union will retain the Economy and Innovation, and Justice ministries. The remaining ministries will go to the Social Democrats.

Lrytas sources suggest Sinkevičius is also considering replacing acting Culture Minister Vaida Aleknavičienė, with potential candidates including Culture Ministry Chancellor Lukas Alsys or Deputy Minister Matas Drukteinis. For the Environment Ministry, Social Democrats Alvydas Mockus and Audrius Radvilavičius are reportedly under consideration.