Sinkevičius: Constitutional Court will have its say if challenged

Lithuania’s new Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius has addressed concerns over the legitimacy of his newly formed government, stating that the Constitutional Court will rule if the matter is brought before it.

Speaking on LRT’s Dienos tema programme, Sinkevičius acknowledged ongoing debates about whether the 21st government, led by his Social Democratic Party, was properly established. He suggested that legal clarity would come if the issue reaches the Constitutional Court.

“If there is an appeal to the Constitutional Court, the Constitutional Court will speak. Maybe we shouldn’t close our eyes to events,” he said.

Sinkevičius noted that the government’s programme and his proposal to the president regarding the cabinet’s composition were submitted to the Seimas (parliament) last Friday. He argued that the presidential decree formally appointing the government had already been issued symbolically on July 6, before the programme’s presentation.

Criticism has emerged over procedural irregularities, including claims that some ministers may not have fully reviewed the government’s programme. Sinkevičius rejected these allegations, stating that the programme was developed with input from both outgoing and incoming ministers, as well as party representatives.

He also defended the appointment of Finance Minister Taurimas Valys, who has faced scrutiny from both the opposition and members of Sinkevičius’ own party. The prime minister dismissed suggestions that loyalty was prioritised over competence, emphasising that ministers were selected based on experience, expertise, and party representation.

“It’s illogical to assume that the main criterion was loyalty. No, I categorically disagree,” he said. “People were chosen not only from one source, evaluating both competence and experience.”

The 21st government, led by Sinkevičius, officially took office on Tuesday after swearing in.