Opposition criticises new government over key ministerial appointments

Opposition leaders have criticised the new government’s programme and some of its ministerial appointments during a parliamentary debate on Tuesday, reports LRT.

The leader of the Liberal Movement, Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen, singled out the appointed finance minister, Taurimas Valys, and the incoming interior minister, Martynas Katelynas, as the weakest links in the cabinet led by Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius of the Lithuanian Social Democratic Party (LSDP).

Čmilytė-Nielsen questioned Valys’ suitability for the role, citing his public remarks that financial figures are “too boring” and that he prefers a creative approach to state finances. She also criticised Katelynas, noting his past opposition to lifting parliamentary immunity and his stated commitment to national unity values, which she argued raises concerns about his stance on pre-trial investigation institutions.

While acknowledging stronger aspects of the new government—such as the appointment of Kęstutis Budris as foreign minister and Inga Ruginienė as a potential successor to Sinkevičius—she added that the ruling coalition no longer includes the “Nemuno aušra” (Dawn of Nemunas) faction. “But it seems the positive points end there,” she said.

Laurynas Kasčiūnas, leader of the Homeland Union-Lithuanian Christian Democrats (TS-LKD), argued that some ministers are unprepared for their roles and lack clarity on how to implement the government’s stated goals. He called for specific financial sources to back promises such as increasing social welfare, warning that vague commitments risk deepening public distrust.

“At least a few ministers are not ready to work in public service, do not know what needs to be done,” Kasčiūnas said. “We are not a country that can afford to waste two years on training—we need action.”

President Gitanas Nausėda approved the new cabinet last week, confirming Valys as finance minister, Katelynas as interior minister, and other key appointments, including Ieva Andriulaitytė as environment minister and Lukas Alsys as culture minister. The parliament is expected to endorse the government’s programme, granting it official authority to begin work.