Opposition criticises new government with Lenin quote and competence concerns

Lithuania’s opposition has sharply criticised the incoming government, with conservative leader Laurynas Kasčiūnas quoting Lenin to question the competence of proposed ministers. Speaking ahead of Prime Minister-designate Mindaugas Sinkevičius’ presentation of the government programme to the Seimas, Kasčiūnas said the candidates lack the “luxury of time to learn” in office.

“I think we don’t have the luxury of learning. There are candidates who will essentially have to learn—for a year, or perhaps until the end of the term. Lenin said: ‘Study, study, study.’ But I think we are not Lenin’s children, and Lithuania is not a country of Lenin’s children, so apparently we don’t have that luxury,” Kasčiūnas stated.

The leader of the Homeland Union-Lithuanian Christian Democrats also highlighted a shift in the ruling majority’s stance on Belarus. While the previous government’s programme, led by Ingrida Šimonytė, included measures to maintain international isolation for both Russia and Belarus, Sinkevičius’ programme only mentions Russia. Kasčiūnas expressed hope that the new government would not seek to lift the ban on Belarusian fertiliser transit.

Reporting by LRT.lt.