Experts cautious about Gabrielius Landsbergis’ conservative party leadership prospects

“In this case, the situation is such that we might go va banque a bit and see what is going to happen as it won’t be worse, I think, in this situation,” political scientist Ainė Ramonaitė told BNS on Monday.

In her words, the party came under threat after its loss to the Liberal Movement among rightist parties in the recent local elections in Lithuania.

Meanwhile, Kęstutis Girnius, an associate professor from the Institute of International Relations and Political Science at Vilnius University, believes Kubilius’ exit and endorsement of Landsbergis for the party chairman position reflects his concern that Irena Degutienė, the leader of the party’s Christian Democratic wing, might become the leader, and that would eventually split the party.

“I doubt that Landsbergis will be able to strengthen the party, since many believe that he’s been elected based on the achievements of his grandfather and not his own. I think Kubilius’ decision was, I would say, unconsidered a little,” he told BNS.

Landsbergis Sr: Kubilius’ move “firm and self-critical”

Meanwhile former leader and one of the founders of the Homeland Union Vytautas Landsbergis says that Kubilius’ decision not to seek re-election is a “firm and self-critical decision”.

“I would say it’s a firm and self-critical decision, realizing the existing situation. I think it will be beneficial for the party to renew itself and find new aspects of its activity,” Landsbergis, who led the party in 1993-2003, told BNS.

He said he learned about Kubilius’ decision while in Germany and also added he had not been aware of his grandson Gabrielius Landsbergis’ plans to run for party chairmanship.

“If my grandson is really going to run for the position, I will not campaign against him. Let’s wait and see,” the political heavyweight said.