Sinkevičius presents government program amid implementation doubts

Lithuania’s designated Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius presented the 21st government’s program to the Seimas, with a strong focus on addressing demographic challenges, which he described as one of Europe’s most pressing crises for the country.

The program outlines priorities including improving the well-being, financial security, and quality of life for older citizens, as well as ensuring defense funding fully meets military needs. However, both opposition figures and experts have expressed skepticism about the feasibility of these goals.

Sinkevičius highlighted key commitments, including reforms to the child support system, better work-family balance, progressive wage increases in public and private sectors, accelerated pension indexation, strengthened social support, and efforts to reduce poverty and income inequality. “We aim not only to increase pensions faster but also to reduce poverty among pensioners,” he stated.

Critics, however, question the financial viability of the proposals. Remigijus Žemaitaitis, leader of the “Nemuno aušra” party, argued that the social policy measures would require an estimated 600–700 million euros. “Either taxes will have to rise, or spending will have to fall,” he said.

Sinkevičius acknowledged that some priorities may need reassessment and not all promises could be fully delivered. “We will seek creative solutions that do not compromise fiscal discipline,” he said, adding that failure to implement the plans would risk the government being seen as one of empty promises.

Trade unions also raised concerns about the lack of concrete details in the program. Kristina Krupavičienė, chair of the “Solidarumas” trade union, questioned the funding sources for social welfare improvements. “The program is ambitious, but we need to see what measures will be taken to implement it,” she said.

Business representatives, however, expressed cautious optimism. Vidmantas Janulevičius, president of the Lithuanian Industrialists’ Confederation, stated that the promises could be fulfilled if the economy grows and businesses are allowed to thrive. “We need clear conditions—don’t hinder business development,” he said.

Opposition members also questioned the capability of some proposed ministers, suggesting that a few lack sufficient experience. Laurynas Kasčiūnas, leader of the Homeland Union-Lithuanian Christian Democrats (TS-LKD), criticized the potential need for inexperienced officials to learn on the job. “We don’t have the luxury of time for them to learn,” he said.

Concerns were also raised about the Finance Ministry, with Liberal Movement faction leader Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen noting that the ministry requires a figure willing to say “no” to spending, while designated Finance Minister Taurimas Valys has been characterized as more inclined to say “yes.” Valys dismissed claims of inexperience, stating that his knowledge, both domestic and international, would serve the public good.

Interior Minister designate Martynas Katelynas addressed past controversy over his comparison of Lithuanian officers to Belarusian OMON forces, stating he had already explained his position on the matter.

Reporting by LRT TV news service, as cited by LRT.lt.