Lithuanian Social Democrats Discuss Leadership Change in Culture Committee

Lithuanian Social Democrat Party (LSDP) leader M. Sinkevičius has addressed internal party discussions concerning Kęstutis Vilkauskas's position as chairman of the Seimas Culture Committee. Sinkevičius stated that the situation arose from a party decision, not his own, and that Vilkauskas understood and accepted the party's resolution.

According to Sinkevičius, Vilkauskas has indicated he does not intend to repeat past actions and has expressed certain expectations for his future within the party. Sinkevičius voiced his hope that the party can meet these expectations and prevent any further internal conflict. The LSDP presidency formally made the decision to replace Vilkauskas, a move that surprised some, including LSDP faction elder Orinta Leiputė.

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He understood the party's decision, accepts it, and has come to terms with it.

Vaida Aleknavičienė, a former culture minister, has been proposed to take over Vilkauskas's role on the Culture Committee. This leadership change follows a previous attempt in mid-July to remove Vilkauskas, which resulted in a tied secret ballot among committee members, leading Vilkauskas to refuse to step down at that time.

Vilkauskas had been leading the Seimas Culture Committee since November 2024. Aleknavičienė previously chaired the Seimas Education and Science Committee before serving as culture minister in Inga Ruginienė's government. The LSDP plans to further discuss the matter within its governing bodies, including the faction and the board.

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I believe the party will be able to meet them. There should not be any further conflict programmed.