Sinkevičius faces praise and criticism after first 100 days

Coalition leaders have praised Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius’s start in office, while opposition politicians say he has failed to deliver the promised dynamism. LRT reported as Sinkevičius and his government marked their first 100 days.

Liberal Movement leader Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen said Sinkevičius had the opportunity to stabilise the situation and restore public confidence in government, but had not made use of it.

The government’s start, the third of the current parliamentary term, was clouded by opposition questions about its legitimacy. Critics questioned whether its programme had been submitted in accordance with constitutional procedures. Questions were also raised about Sinkevičius’s academic dissertation from a decade ago, the circumstances surrounding the purchase and sale of a plot of land, and the employment of his wife, Aistė Sinkevičienė.

During his first 100 days, Sinkevičius also faced security issues as Lithuania continued to encounter hybrid threats from Belarus and repeated airspace violations. Rising fuel prices and preparations for next year’s state budget prompted further debate.

Čmilytė-Nielsen said appointing Taurimas Valys as finance minister was one of Sinkevičius’s main mistakes, arguing that criticism of the minister had damaged the new government’s standing. She also criticised the proposed budget, describing its approach to public finances and the near future as irresponsible.

“The overall feeling is one of a difficult situation and disappointment over these 100 days. The promise of something new or more dynamic has not been fulfilled,” Čmilytė-Nielsen said, adding that Sinkevičius appeared to lack energy or resolve.

She also said the prime minister had not clearly set out his position on values-based issues such as human rights. While Sinkevičius had highlighted security, defence, demographics and unity, she argued that he had avoided defining his political and ideological views.

Čmilytė-Nielsen said that, as a Social Democratic leader, Sinkevičius had been less vocal than she expected on issues traditionally associated with the party.