Environment minister nominee Andriulaitytė calls her candidacy the most surprising in the government

Proposed environment minister Ieva Andriulaitytė has acknowledged that her inclusion in the new cabinet may come as a surprise, LRT.lt reports.

Andriulaitytė, who met with the Liberal Movement faction on Monday, described herself as “a newcomer” and likely “the most unexpected candidate in this forming government.” She clarified, however, that she is not new to the field, citing a decade of experience in environmental protection, including 10 years working with EU institutions and the Committee of the Regions in Brussels.

With only two years remaining in the term, Andriulaitytė said she understands major overhauls are unlikely. Her priority will be ensuring continuity in environmental policy, with a focus on forestry, circular economy, and housing policy.

She confirmed that audits are planned for the Environment Ministry, which was previously led by the “Nemuno aušra” party. While she declined to specify which areas would be audited, she stated: “The fact that not everything is fine in the ministry is clear.”

Former environment minister Simonas Gentvilas noted that Andriulaitytė’s name had not been among the candidates initially submitted by the Social Democrats, calling her selection unexpected. Eugenijus Gentvilas expressed concerns about her lack of ambition, arguing that significant progress is possible even in a short timeframe.