Prime minister responds to criticism: government programme presented after presidential decree
Tuesday 14th July 2026 on 13:15 in
Lithuania
Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius has stated that the government’s programme was presented to the Seimas after President Gitanas Nausėda had already signed the decree appointing the new cabinet, LRT.lt reports.
Sinkevičius addressed criticism that the formation of the government could be unconstitutional, stating he is not a constitutional law expert and does not intend to engage in legal debates. He confirmed that when he presented the programme to the Seimas, both he and the public were aware that the presidential decree had been signed.
“There may be nuances in registration and submission. It was registered earlier, but the programme was presented in the Seimas hall when the president’s decree had already been signed,” Sinkevičius said.
He registered the 21st government’s programme in the legal acts database on July 3, while Nausėda signed the decree on the government’s composition on July 7. The constitution stipulates that after the president appoints a new prime minister, the latter must present the formed and president-approved government to the Seimas and submit its programme for consideration within 15 days.
Constitutional law experts and the opposition have criticised the situation. However, Sinkevičius downplayed the opposition’s criticism, stating that their role is to scrutinise: “I would be surprised if it were otherwise, if the opposition said: what a wonderful programme, what a wonderful team. They look for something to criticise. This is an expression of democracy and our political life, which I fully understand and accept.”
Criticism also came from within his own ranks, with Budget and Finance Committee Chairman Taurimas Valys referring to Finance Minister Valys as a “cosmonaut.” Sinkevičius acknowledged that such criticism is unavoidable, even from allies, and urged against hostility and division.
“There is a lot of criticism and colourful phrases. We should avoid confrontation and division, especially when referring to such descriptions, which may seem playful but I think are not very correct,” Sinkevičius said. He confirmed having spoken with Valys, asking him to avoid confrontation and remain constructive.