The issue of the new Minister of Education, Science and Sports remained unresolved

Eugenijus Gentvilas, an elder of the Liberal Movement faction, assures that the situation that has arisen is not normal. According to the politician, the ongoing presidential election campaign complicates the process, because the prime minister, who went on vacation, is now not looking after the new leadership of the Ministry of Education, Science and Sports (ŠMSM).

“Once, when the prime minister said that she would run for the presidency, I said that it would be very difficult for her to separate her activities as a prime minister from the activities of a presidential candidate. This is where the following thing happens: as the prime minister, she should be engaged in appointing the minister of education and stabilizing the functioning of the ministry, as a presidential candidate, she should take a break and run. And then, so to speak, when sitting on two chairs, the butt is too small, in most cases. It’s really complicated. I don’t envy the Prime Minister and I don’t want to blame her. But the circumstances of the situation are like this”, E. Gentvilas told Elta.

The member of the Seimas doubts whether the name of a new candidate to replace the resigned Gintautas Jakštas will be submitted before the presidential elections. However, he admits that the Conservatives are probably facing a shortage of personnel.

“I don’t want to say that it looks irresponsible here, but on the other hand, no one is standing at the starting line – just like Kasčiūnas, who stomped his feet like a stallion, impatient. This is not the case here. And to take it, to solve it quickly – it is not possible”, – remembered the previous changes in the Cabinet of Ministers, the liberal evaluated the situation.

He was seconded by elder Vytautas Mitalas of the Freedom faction. The member of the Seimas states that the delay in presenting a ministerial candidate shows that, contrary to what was declared, education is not one of the most important priorities of this Government.

“The situation is abnormal and clearly shows that education is not a priority for those people who are trying to sell that it is normal not to have a minister,” he lamented.

The Seimas opposition is also calling for a replacement for G. Jakštu as soon as possible.

“Very bad. In fact, the situation is uncertain, matriculation exams on the nose. I understand that the people of the ministry are working, but now the minister of social security and labor is temporarily deputizing”, commented Aušrinė Norkienė, elder of the “peasants”, to Elta.

“I think somehow the situation could have been resolved before the holidays,” she added.

At that time, Rasa Budbergytė, an elder of the social democrats of the parliament, assures that the new minister – no matter when he is appointed – will not solve all the problems of the education system. Nevertheless, in her opinion, a new head of the School of Education and Culture could calm down the agitated community of teachers and students.

“Can the introduction of a new minister this week or next week solve a very difficult situation in education?” My answer is definitely not. But, of course, we would like a minister who could come and do, if not all the work, then at least some of the work in half a year, and calm those passions,” the social democrat thought.

He does not think that M. Navickienė should replace the Minister of Education until the end of the term

The president appointed the Minister of Social Security and Labor, Monika Navickienė, to temporarily lead the Social Security Administration. However, it is being discussed on the sidelines of the Seimas that the conservative may not hold these positions temporarily – it is said that M. Navickienė will replace the Minister of Education until the end of the term of this Government.

E. Gentvilas says that he has also heard such considerations. But such a plan, he admits, is not appealing.

“I do not rule out that it can happen. I understand that the conservatives have their quota in the position of Minister of Education, Science and Sports, but Navickienė’s permanent presence for another half year is certainly not attractive,” said the liberal elder.

He mentions that the Liberal Movement would be ready to nominate a representative of his party for this position.

“Conservatives may not find a candidate from among themselves – it could be.” Then talk to your coalition partners. For example, we would have a proposal, one last name. But when no one applies – you can’t say that we offer a liberal or a liberal”, emphasized E. Gentvilas.

The Freedom Party could also propose a representative to the ministers, says V. Mitala.

“If we think that education is a priority – (…) we need a minister for that. There cannot be one minister on two chairs,” emphasized the “libertarian”.

According to the opposition, this would mean the defeat of the prime minister

At that time, representatives of the minority of the Seimas say that if M. Navickienė replaces the Minister of Education until the end of the term, it will mean the defeat of the Prime Minister and the conservatives.

“This would indicate that defeat is recognized – I no longer have the right people or politicians who can take responsibility,” said R. Budbergytė.

“This would be an acknowledgment that they failed to achieve what they promised in the field of education,” added A. Norkienė.

ELTA reminds that due to the continuing problems regarding intermediate inspections, the Minister of Education, Science and Sports G. Jakštas resigned from his position. The Minister of Social Security and Labor, M. Navickieni, has been assigned to his duties temporarily.

G. Jakštas was appointed as minister in the summer of last year, when the then minister Jurgita Šiugždinienė resigned due to a scandal regarding the transparency of the use of funds allocated for the activities of municipal council members.

I. Šimonytė had informed that she would not be in a hurry to submit the nomination of a new minister of education to the president. On his part, G. Nausėda noted that the new candidacy should not be in a hurry to approve the new head of the ČMSM.

According to the Constitution, ministers in Lithuania are appointed and dismissed by the president on the recommendation of the prime minister.

“Given that we are in the reckoning period and are about to enter the matriculation exam session, it might not be optimal to change people again.” But in the summer, when the Government should receive the powers, the situation will probably be different. However, I think that the ministry should have a new leader”, said I. Šimonytė in an interview with Elta.

According to her, Minister G. Jakšta’s dismissal of the questions regarding intermediate inspections has now been taken over by Minister of Social Security and Labor Monika Navickienė.

“I think she should be allowed to finish this work, and another person could prepare for autumn, updated programs and the new season,” added the prime minister.

And although the coalition partners and the opposition want to see a new minister of education as soon as possible, according to the Prime Minister, there is no point in rushing.