President expresses dissatisfaction with lack of women in new government

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda has expressed dissatisfaction with the low representation of women in the newly formed government, according to a report by LRT.

The president’s advisor, Paulius Baltokas, stated that Nausėda maintains his position that at least one-third of ministerial positions should be held by women. He also emphasized that the president will take full responsibility for the actions of the new government, as he does for all governments he has approved.

“The president remains committed to his statement that the program minimum (at least one-third women in the cabinet) should be met. However, the candidates are proposed by the prime minister,” Baltokas told Žinių radijas.

On Monday, Nausėda approved the composition of the new government proposed by incoming Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius. The new cabinet includes four women, compared to five in the outgoing cabinet led by Ingrida Šimonytė, excluding the prime minister.

Baltokas noted that the president takes responsibility for all governments he confirms, and this one is no exception. “The president will undoubtedly take full responsibility for this government’s actions, to the extent that he has the power and ability to assist, control, and oversee the government’s activities,” he said.

The new cabinet has drawn attention due to the appointment of Martynas Katelynas, a 31-year-old member of parliament, as Minister of the Interior. Questions have been raised about his experience and competence for the role, and a protest was organized by the liberal movement near the Presidential Palace.

Baltokas assured that Katelynas has sufficient experience to lead the Ministry of the Interior. “Martynas Katelynas demonstrated his knowledge and understanding of regional policy, migration issues, and municipal governance during discussions and in his work in the Seimas, the State Governance and Municipalities Committee,” he said.

“His life experience and origins in Varėna provide insights into border security and combating hybrid threats. The president believes the candidate is suitable and will adequately perform the duties of the Minister of the Interior,” Baltokas added.

He also noted that it is normal for not all institutions under the Ministry of the Interior to support the candidate equally. “The Ministry of the Interior system is exceptionally broad, ranging from the police to municipalities. It is normal that not everyone evaluates the candidate equally. This has probably been the case with every Minister of the Interior,” Baltokas said.