Lithuania’s incoming government takes shape with new ministerial picks
Wednesday 1st July 2026 on 22:00 in
Lithuania
Lithuania’s prospective government lineup is becoming clearer, with key ministerial candidates emerging, LRT reports.
Lukas Alsys, currently the chancellor of the Ministry of Culture, has been proposed as the new culture minister, replacing Vaida Aleknavičienė. Meanwhile, MP Martynas Katelynas is nominated to take over as interior minister from Vladislavas Kondratovičius.
Designate Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius is still considering whether to replace Finance Minister Kristupas Vaitiekūnas with Foreign Vice Minister Taurimas Valys. Audrius Radvilavičius, another MP, is expected to be put forward for the position of environment minister.
Katelynas, a former active member of the National Unity party, has drawn attention for past controversial remarks. In 2021, he supported the idea of using lethal force to stop migrants and compared Lithuanian officers to Belarusian OMON forces during protests against a migrant camp in Rūdininkai. Katelynas has since stated his criticism was directed at the Interior Ministry’s handling of the migration crisis, not the officers themselves.
Former Interior Minister Agnė Bilotaitė has criticised Katelynas’ comments, stating that such a politician lacks the moral right to hold office. However, National Unity leader Vytautas Sinica defended Katelynas’ personal qualities, describing him as intelligent, brave, and quick-witted.
For the finance minister role, Sinkevičius is weighing Vaitiekūnas’ experience against Valys’ qualifications. Vaitiekūnas has stated he has no preference, trusting the prime minister’s decision.
Alsys, the culture minister candidate, is seen as a competent and systematic thinker. Presidential advisor Jolanta Karpavičienė praised his ambition and seriousness, while Alsys himself aims to bring stability and clarity to the cultural sector. National Art Museum Director Arūnas Gelūnas, while noting that frequent political changes are not ideal, described Alsys as a solid and focused professional.
President Gitanas Nausėda has also met with Kęstutis Mažeika, the Democratic Party’s candidate for agriculture minister. While Mažeika’s experience in the field was acknowledged, the president expressed a desire for more concrete solutions to sectoral challenges.