M. Sinkevičius on changes in the finance minister's team: a usual political process
M. Sinkevičius discussed the routine nature of political personnel changes within the ministry led by Finance Minister Kristupas Vaitiekūnas.
M. Sinkevičius addressed the recent changes within the finance minister's team, describing them as typical political processes that occur when new ministers take office. He explained that ministers have the discretion to change their political team, including deputy ministers and advisors, based on their confidence in them. This standard practice allows ministers to align their teams with their political strategies and objectives, which is essential for effective governance.
In the wake of last week's resignation of the Chancellor of the Finance Ministry, M. Šima, this situation has drawn attention to potential discrepancies in trust and perspective between the former Chancellor and the current Finance Minister. Sinkevičius highlighted that while in the past the Prime Minister may have inherited certain positions, the dynamics at play often necessitate reshuffles to better fit the new minister’s vision for the ministry. He emphasized that such changes, while they can be seen as disruptive, are more about ensuring a smoother operation within the government framework rather than stemming from conflicts or scandals.
Ultimately, M. Sinkevičius portrayed this event as a part of the broader political hygiene necessary for government function, asserting that even though personnel shifts can lead to uncertainty, they are expected in the political realm. The appointment of former Social Democratic Party Deputy Chairman Liutauras Gudžinskas as an advisor within the same context signals a continuity of social democratic ideals despite the shifts, aiming for stability within the ministry’s operations.