Social democrat leader to invite Jakubauskienė to join his team

Lithuanian Social Democratic Party (LSDP) leader Mindaugas Sinkevičius has said he plans to invite outgoing Health Minister Marija Jakubauskienė to join his team if he becomes prime minister, LRT reports.

“Regarding the head of the healthcare system, I have always trusted and continue to trust Ms. Marija and her team. I believe she is an excellent professional. (…) Perhaps I will try to persuade her, if she has the opportunity, to work at least part-time in my team at the Government Office. If she cannot or does not agree, well, that will be her decision,” Sinkevičius told a meeting with members of the Mixed Group of Seimas members on Tuesday.

Social Democratic delegates must leave their positions as the ruling coalition was reshuffled, with the health minister portfolio handed to the Democratic Union “For Lithuania,” which has nominated former Social Security and Labour Minister and MP Linas Kukuraitis for the role.

Sinkevičius also commented on the corruption scandal involving the State Plant Service, which falls under the Agriculture Ministry. He stated that incoming Agriculture Minister Kęstutis Mažeika, a Democrat, had appropriately distanced himself from the issue.

“We deliberated for a long time. There were various considerations. To be honest, we also thought about people—what political organisation has the right people for certain positions. It seemed that Kęstutis Mažeika is suitable for addressing agricultural issues and shaping policy. That’s how we decided,” Sinkevičius said.

“I believe Kęstutis Mažeika has properly distanced himself from the Plant Service issue and questions related to his former colleagues through a partisan lens,” he added.

Liberal MP Simonas Gentvilas asked how preventive measures would ensure the scandal does not influence decision-making, given the Agriculture Ministry was assigned to the Democrats after the Plant Service corruption case. Sinkevičius acknowledged the issue had been raised during negotiations but expressed doubt it would affect decisions.

Acting leader of the Democratic Union “For Lithuania” Virginijus Sinkevičius has previously stated he would propose dissolving the State Plant Service, embroiled in the corruption scandal, and transferring its functions to the State Food and Veterinary Service.

Former LSDP leader Saulius Skvernelis is linked to the corruption scandal at the Plant Service, which is under investigation for alleged systematic corruption involving possible “political favouritism in the exercise of powers.” Investigations also involve former MP Skvernelis’ advisor Agnė Silickienė, who also worked at the service. According to the investigation, representatives of companies transporting plants and plant products systematically demanded and received large bribes for the issuance of phytosanitary certificates by the Plant Service.