Lithuanian health minister comments on PM candidate’s business ties

Lithuanian Health Minister Aurelijus Veryga has commented on the business connections of prime ministerial candidate Mindaugas Sinkevičius, stating he hopes Sinkevičius will focus on his duties rather than addressing past controversies, LRT reports.

Speaking on the LRT television programme Dienos tema, Veryga acknowledged that Sinkevičius has ties with Erlandas Andrejevas, the owner of Menstata, a company that has won public tenders in Jonava. Sinkevičius has admitted to long-standing personal and political connections with Andrejevas but denies any involvement with the company’s business activities.

Veryga emphasised the importance of transparency, stating that all potential conflicts of interest must be declared and addressed. “If there are possibilities or appearances of conflict of interest, they should be eliminated,” he said.

When asked whether he would call for the resignation of a prime minister facing serious allegations, Veryga responded that such situations are theoretical but added that trust is given to individuals who declare transparency and a commitment to ethical conduct. He expressed confidence that Sinkevičius has considered these matters and will focus on his work rather than past controversies.

Veryga also addressed the ongoing discussions about responsibility in the Registrų Centras (Registry Centre) data leak scandal, noting that multiple institutions, including the Ministry of Economy and Innovation and the Ministry of Justice, oversee the centre. He acknowledged shared responsibility in the matter.