Mindaugas Sinkevičius, a member of the Lithuanian Social Democratic Party (LSDP), has responded to calls from some party members urging the party's chairman Gintautas Paluckas to consider suspending his membership due to being summoned as a special witness in a case involving abuse of power and illegal enrichment. In his remarks to Žinių radijas, Sinkevičius emphasized the need for uniform assessments within the party, suggesting that evaluations should remain consistent irrespective of who is involved, whether it be Paluckas or any other member. This stands as an attempt to maintain integrity among party members amid legal troubles.

The situation is compounded by recent remarks from Vytenis Povilas Andriukaitis, the honorary chairman of the LSDP, who has called for stricter measures against Gintautas Paluckas, suggesting not only a suspension of his membership but also his resignation from the Seimas. Andriukaitis emphasizes that Paluckas should step back from politics until he can clear his name from legal accusations, underlining a growing tension within the party regarding accountability and the handling of members in trouble with the law.

Sinkevičius's plea reflects a broader concern within the LSDP about maintaining a united front and ensuring that all members, regardless of their positions, are subject to the same standards and scrutiny. This call for equal treatment comes at a time when the party's integrity and public image are under strain, as questions swirl around the legal situations of its members. The execution of the party's statutes and maintaining fairness in evaluations will be crucial for the party’s cohesion moving forward.