Lithuanian PM Defends Finance Minister, Advises Constructive Response to Criticism

Lithuanian Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius has publicly supported Finance Minister Taurimas Valys, who has faced criticism since his appointment. Sinkevičius urged for time and patience, suggesting Valys needs to adjust to the demands of political work after a career in diplomacy.

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Of course, you cannot avoid criticism, even within your own political organization. There are many perspectives, and pluralism of opinion is very welcome in modern Lithuanian democracy. (...) Some opinions can hurt the heart, but one needs to get used to it and toughen up.

"Of course, you cannot avoid criticism, even within your own political organization. There are many perspectives, and pluralism of opinion is very welcome in modern Lithuanian democracy," Sinkevičius told journalists. He advised Valys to approach criticism and difficult questions more constructively, rather than becoming confrontational. The Prime Minister suggested Valys should immerse himself in the latest economic forecasts and data directly from the Finance Ministry.

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I asked him, even when facing uncomfortable questions, not to go into confrontation. (...) I suggested that he be more constructive, visit the Ministry of Finance and learn the latest economic forecasts, numbers, that they receive him there and inform him not only about what is seen in the press but also about what is in the ministry's kitchen.

Sinkevičius acknowledged that Valys, coming from the more diplomatic environment of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, might not be accustomed to the directness and sometimes aggressive nature of political discourse. "He might not have been used to that political genre and sometimes even attacks from his diplomatic life, where everyone is diplomatic and more correct," Sinkevičius said, adding that he believes Valys will adapt.

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He might not have been used to that political genre and sometimes even attacks from his diplomatic life, where everyone is diplomatic and more correct. I think the person will adapt. (...) From one or two appearances so far, I would not draw far-reaching conclusions about T. Valys's work.

The Prime Minister also addressed internal party matters, including a comment by MP Algirdas Sysas, who referred to Valys as a "cosmonaut." Sinkevičius lightheartedly suggested Sysas might have meant the Finance Minister has "cosmically good proposals." Meanwhile, the new government's program, approved by the Seimas, faces a potential constitutional challenge from the opposition over procedural concerns regarding its submission timing.

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One should avoid hostility and division. (...) But I don't know – Mr. Sysas, when talking about cosmonautics, perhaps wanted to say that the finance minister has cosmically good proposals.