Acting leader of Lithuania’s Social Democratic Party (LSDP) and Jonava District Mayor Mindaugas Sinkevičius announced Tuesday he will not seek the post of prime minister, narrowing the field of candidates as the ruling party prepares to propose a new government leader.
“After serious consideration, I have decided not to run for the position of prime minister,” Sinkevičius wrote in a Facebook post, citing his commitment to continue serving as mayor. He said the decision was supported by his family.
Sinkevičius emphasised his ongoing responsibility to the state and pledged to focus on strengthening the party and supporting effective governance as long as he retains party members’ trust.
The LSDP board and presidium are expected to finalise their nomination for prime minister on Wednesday. The candidate will then be presented to President Gitanas Nausėda for approval.
As of midday Tuesday, party branches were still submitting their preferences. While the party has not officially disclosed which candidate received the most support, news outlet 15min.lt, citing sources, reported that Sinkevičius had emerged as the frontrunner before withdrawing.
Other potential candidates named by the party leadership include Social Security and Labour Minister Inga Ruginienė, Deputy Speaker of Parliament Juozas Olekas, and Vilnius District Mayor Robert Duchnevič.
Ruginienė said earlier this week she would accept the responsibility if nominated. Olekas has also expressed readiness to lead the government if needed.
The prime ministerial vacancy arose after former Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas resigned last week from both his government role and party leadership. His resignation followed a police search at his brother’s apartment, reportedly linked to an investigation.
Sinkevičius’ legal troubles
Sinkevičius had previously faced legal scrutiny in Lithuania’s so-called “receipt scandal” (čekiukų byla), in which he was accused of misusing public funds while serving on the Jonava municipal council. Prosecutors alleged he used the funds – intended for expenses linked to his duties as a council member – to purchase two televisions and pay for personal communication services.
In October 2024, the Court of Appeals found him guilty and temporarily barred him from holding public office, leading to his removal as Jonava mayor. However, in spring 2025, the Supreme Court overturned the conviction, ruling that Sinkevičius had committed an administrative, rather than criminal, violation.
He returned to his mayoral post, though the Chief Official Ethics Commission (VTEK) later concluded that he had still violated conflict-of-interest rules.
Sinkevičius has maintained that the misuse of funds was accidental, repaid €4,015 to the municipal budget, and called the issue a human error.
The Social Democratic Party controls 52 seats in the 141-member parliament, Seimas. Following the October 2024 parliamentary elections, the LSDP formed a governing coalition with the Nemunas Dawn party (19 seats) and the Democrats “For Lithuania” party (15 seats), giving the bloc a combined 86-seat majority.
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