After the Nemunas Dawn party failed to field a candidate for energy minister, the post will go to the Social Democrats, while Nemunas Dawn takes over the Culture Ministry – a swap that has sparked outrage among cultural leaders.
The Social Democrats have nominated Žygimantas Vaičiūnas, a former energy minister and the president’s preferred candidate, to return to the role. The party is also putting forward current Vice Minister Kastytis Žuromskas to lead the Environment Ministry.
Nemunas Dawn, meanwhile, announced singer and political newcomer Ignotas Adomavičius as its pick for culture minister – a move many in the arts community described as insulting.
Frustration over cabinet reshuffle
Party leader Remigijus Žemaitaitis admitted he had little interest in the Culture Ministry. “I didn’t want that ministry at all,” he said. “I know the Social Democrats had always considered it a priority.”
The swap has angered cultural figures. Opera soloist Edgaras Montvidas called the situation “deplorable”, noting the timing coincided with the 150th anniversary of composer M.K. Čiurlionis and the 90th birthday of singer Virgilijus Noreika. “It’s nothing less than a spit in the face of the cultural sector,” Montvidas said.
National Gallery of Art director Arūnas Gelūnas said the entire cultural community is uneasy. “It feels like culture is completely unimportant – a bargaining chip no one wants, seen as redundant or underfunded,” he said. “And now it is being handed to a party known for scandalous statements.”
A surprising candidate
Adomavičius, 30, has performed in televised music competitions and once joked on air: “If I went into politics, I’d officially be able to hang noodles, because I make them,” referring to his past work as a manager at a frozen foods company.
In Lithuanian, “hanging noodles” means telling lies.
Adomavičius is now an adviser to Seimas Deputy Speaker Raimondas Šukys but has no professional experience in cultural administration. He studied at the Čiurlionis School of Arts before turning to business, citing his aptitude for mathematics.
“Finishing the Čiurlionis School is as good a qualification as you can get,” Adomavičius said, adding that his skills and interests make him “one of the best candidates Nemunas Dawn could propose.”
Social Democrats consolidate
The Social Democrats’ candidate for energy, Vaičiūnas, previously served in the role under another party but is expected to formally join the Social Democrats. Party leader Mindaugas Sinkevičius said President Gitanas Nausėda, currently in New York, will likely speak with the new nominees remotely.
“If the situation allows and the goodwill is there, and technology helps us, we could soon have a full Cabinet and program,” Sinkevičius said.
A vote on the government’s program has already been scheduled for Thursday’s parliamentary session.
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