Šimonytė: New Lithuanian government formed "abnormally"

Former Lithuanian Prime Minister I. Šimonytė has described the formation of the new government as "abnormal," drawing a stark contrast with how her own cabinet was assembled at the beginning of its term.

Šimonytė, a member of the Homeland Union – Lithuanian Christian Democrats party, stated in an interview that her government was formed from scratch at the start of a mandate. This process typically involves coalition negotiations, agreements on responsibilities, and discussions with the President. She noted that governments formed mid-term, often due to shifting political constellations, present a different dynamic.

“

It is difficult to explain with logic.

"When you form a government from a blank slate, then, of course, there are coalition negotiations that have just taken place, there are some agreements on areas of responsibility, there are some visions, there are negotiations with the President. But it is still a blank slate situation, because usually politicians who take power promise to do things differently than the previous government," Šimonytė explained.

She highlighted that the current situation is different as it marks the third government of the current term. While the change in prime minister and coalition partners might suggest a move toward stabilization, Šimonytė questioned the rationale behind the ministerial reshuffles. "I think that the least need to change are the ministers who are working relatively well and, one might say, understand what they came to the government for. And here, I think, changes occurred that are difficult to explain with logic," she stated.

“

When you form a government from a blank slate, then, of course, there are coalition negotiations that have just taken place, there are some agreements on areas of responsibility, there are some visions, there are negotiations with the President. But it is still a blank slate situation, because usually politicians who take power promise to do things differently than the previous government.