Lithuanian politician calls PM-president competition "stimulus, not tension"

Mindaugas Sinkevičius, leader of the Lithuanian Social Democratic Party, has commented on recent remarks by Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė, in which she suggested she could represent Lithuania at the European Council.

Sinkevičius emphasised that the prime minister’s statement should not be interpreted as an attempt to take the prerogative away from the president, Caliber.Az reports, citing Delfi.

“Competition between the Presidency and the government exists, but the prime minister’s statement is more a reflection of her ability to handle the task than an effort to revise powers,” he said.

Sinkevičius added that such competition can serve as a stimulus and stressed that there is currently no tension.

He also expressed confidence in President Gitanas Nausėda’s work at the European Council.

“The main thing is achieving results. The president is successfully carrying out his mission, maintaining direct professional and personal contacts that enhance the country’s capabilities,” Sinkevičius added.

Earlier, Ruginienė had said she could “participate excellently” in EU-level formats and suggested the possibility of a compromise between the president and the government.

President Nausėda reiterated that he would represent Lithuania at the EU, emphasising that there is no conflict with the prime minister.

According to the prime minister’s adviser Ignas Dobrovolskis, both sides agreed to consult on Lithuania’s participation in European Council meetings and did not rule out the prime minister attending extraordinary sessions.

Debates over Lithuania’s representation at EU meetings have been ongoing throughout the previous parliamentary term.

Conservative politicians had proposed allowing the prime minister to attend European Council sessions depending on the agenda, but the president rejected this.

A legislative solution had been considered but was later abandoned.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov