Lithuanian PM candidate begins talks with parliamentary groups

Social Democratic Party leader Mindaugas Sinkevičius, nominated for prime minister, has begun meetings with parliamentary factions, starting with the largest opposition group, the Homeland Union-Lithuanian Christian Democrats, on Monday, LRT reports.

On Tuesday, Sinkevičius will meet with the “Nemuno aušra” faction, which was recently removed from the ruling coalition, followed by discussions with the Democratic Party, which replaced “Nemuno aušra” in the majority. He will also meet with the opposition Liberal Movement faction and the ruling Lithuanian Farmers and Greens Union faction.

Meanwhile, Lithuanian Farmers and Greens Union leader Aurelijus Veryga will visit President Gitanas Nausėda at the presidential palace to discuss government formation. The Farmers and Greens, who retained control of the Economy and Innovation and Justice Ministries, plan to reappoint current ministers Edvinas Grikšas and Rita Tamašunienė to lead these portfolios.

Last week, Democratic Party leader Virginijus Sinkevičius met with the president and announced his party’s proposed ministers: Linas Kukuraitis for health, Lukas Savickas for energy, and Kęstutis Mažeika for agriculture. President Nausėda has expressed doubts about Kukuraitis’ ability to manage the healthcare system.

Sinkevičius previously stated that his cabinet would include 6–7 new ministers. The new ruling majority was formed after the Social Democrats ended their coalition agreement with “Nemuno aušra”. The new coalition, comprising the Social Democratic Party, the Democratic Union “For Lithuania”, and the Lithuanian Farmers and Greens Union, holds 75 seats in the parliament.