Lithuanian Democrats Union to Elect Permanent Chairman

The "Vardan Lietuvos" Democrats' Union, now part of the ruling coalition, is holding a convention Saturday to elect a permanent party chairman. Four candidates were initially put forward by the party's branches: MEP Virginijus Sinkevičius, who is currently serving as acting chairman; Health Minister Arūnas Dulkys; Energy Minister Dainius Kreivys; and Seimas member and former Prime Minister Algirdas Butkevičius.

However, Butkevičius has since withdrawn his candidacy. Energy Minister Dainius Kreivys also announced he would not participate in the election. This leaves Sinkevičius and Health Minister Arūnas Dulkys as the remaining candidates vying for the leadership position.

The convention will also focus on adopting a resolution that will define the "Vardan Lietuvos" Democrats' political identity, core values, and future direction. This aims to clearly articulate the party's long-term political stance.

Party officials stated that the convention will address not only organizational matters but also key political tasks and the party's operational course for the upcoming period. This comes after former party leader Saulius Skvernelis suspended his membership and stepped down from his position in the spring amid a bribery investigation. Sinkevičius was appointed interim leader in April. The "Vardan Lietuvos" Democrats were founded in January 2022 and secured 14 seats in parliament following the 2024 Seimas elections.