Lithuanian Democrats to elect new leader this weekend as Savickas withdraws

The ruling Democratic Union “For Lithuania” will elect its new leader this weekend, with Energy Minister Lukas Savickas announcing he will not run for the position, LRT reports.

In a Facebook post on Tuesday evening, Savickas said he had decided not to participate in the party’s leadership election, citing his current responsibilities as energy minister. He stated that his work in the energy sector would require his full attention in the near future.

“Responsible leadership means focusing where I can currently provide the greatest benefit to the state and our community,” Savickas wrote. He added that he would remain active in the party and instead run for deputy chair, expressing readiness to work with the future leader and the team to strengthen the party and achieve shared goals.

“I am convinced that what matters most is not the position, but the collective effort. Therefore, I will continue working for a strong party and a strong Lithuania,” he said.

With Savickas out of the race, the party will choose between current interim leader and MEP Virginijus Sinkevičius and Health Minister Linas Kukuraitis. According to BNS, 40 of the party’s 46 branches nominated Sinkevičius, while four backed Kukuraitis and one supported Savickas. One branch had initially proposed former Prime Minister Algirdas Butkevičius, but he withdrew his candidacy.

The election will take place during a party conference in the Vilnius district on Saturday, where deputy chairs, the council, and other governing bodies will also be elected. The party will additionally adopt a resolution defining its political identity, core values, and long-term direction.

Earlier this year, former leader Saulius Skvernelis stepped down amid a corruption investigation into the State Plant Service, which led to a request to lift his legal immunity.