Environment minister candidate has valuable synergy, says presidential advisor

Social Democratic candidate for environment minister, Ieva Andriulaitytė, has valuable synergies in the ministry’s areas of responsibility, according to Ramūnas Dilba, chief advisor to the president.

Speaking after a remote meeting between the president and the candidate, Dilba said Andriulaitytė’s diverse experience—working with institutions, representing municipal interests, and her academic and local government background—creates synergies that can be effectively leveraged.

“The sector is complex, and the candidate’s experience in municipal cooperation, her understanding of local-level issues—many of which fall under the Environment Ministry’s horizontal responsibilities—can provide a positive impetus,” Dilba explained.

He noted that Andriulaitytė’s experience representing Lithuania on EU matters is particularly important as the country prepares for its EU Council presidency, where environmental issues will be a priority.

Dilba added that the president raised questions about the Forest Law, housing affordability in regions, accelerating renovation efforts, territorial planning, and water management during the meeting. The advisor stated that the president sought to hear the candidate’s positions on key sectoral issues but declined to comment on her preparedness.

“I won’t comment today on whether the candidate is prepared or not. The president had the opportunity to listen, ask questions, and hear her opinions. The president will make a decision (when confirming the entire cabinet),” Dilba said.

President Gitanas Nausėda signed a decree appointing Mindaugas Sinkevičius as prime minister earlier this week, with parliamentary approval. Sinkevičius must now present a cabinet and government program to the Seimas within 15 days for approval.

The ruling coalition—comprising the Social Democrats, the Democrats’ Union “For Lithuania,” and the Farmers, Greens, and Christian Families Union—has divided ministerial portfolios. The Democrats will lead the Energy, Health, and Agriculture ministries, while the Farmers’ faction retains Justice and Economy. Social Democrats will fill the remaining ministerial roles, including Environment, currently led on an interim basis by Kastytis Žuromskas.