Lithuanian opposition refuses to grant Mindaugas Sinkevičius 100 days without criticism

Lithuanian opposition parties have refused to grant Mindaugas Sinkevičius, the candidate for prime minister, a 100-day grace period without criticism, calling it an excessive luxury given that this would be the third government formed within a single term, LRT reports.

Laurynas Kasčiūnas, leader of the Homeland Union-Lithuanian Christian Democrats (TS-LKD), told journalists on Thursday that while summer might bring a brief lull, the opposition would not refrain from scrutiny. “It’s clear there’s no such luxury. Half the term has already passed, and results must be shown. We will demand results in various areas,” he said.

Simonas Kairys, deputy chairman of the Liberal Movement, echoed this stance, stating that granting a 100-day period without criticism would be unreasonable. “This is already the third government, the third ruling majority. It would be a luxury to have almost a year of uncriticised governance in total,” he said. Kairys added that the frequent changes in government do not contribute to stability, and while Sinkevičius may demonstrate “Olympic calm,” the transition of power is not a simple process.

Sinkevičius, leader of the Social Democratic Party, presented his candidacy for prime minister on Thursday. He suggested that changes could extend beyond ministers to include political teams such as chancellors and deputy ministers. Kasčiūnas expressed hope for cooperation with the prime minister on demographic issues, seeking broad political consensus. He also highlighted the need to address long-standing promises, such as raising the salaries of statutory officers like border guards, police, and firefighters.

Kasčiūnas noted concerns in education, healthcare, and defence policy, stating, “Wherever you look, you see very serious issues.” Kairys, meanwhile, pointed to differences between the Liberals and Social Democrats on healthcare reforms and expressed reservations about the continuing tenure of the education minister.

Kasčiūnas predicted that the new government would make bold promises but deliver modest results. “It seems the would-be prime minister has already said as much. There won’t be any major transformations, just some adjustments,” he said.

The Social Democratic Party agreed to have Sinkevičius lead the 21st government after deciding in June to review its coalition. The cabinet of Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė ended its work on Tuesday. The Seimas plans to vote on Sinkevičius’s appointment as head of government on June 30.