President proposes Skvernelis for PM

“I have signed the decree to propose the party’s (LPGU) list leader as candidate for the position of prime minister,” Grybauskaite told journalists after meeting with Skvernelis at the President’s Office on Tuesday morning.

The president said she expected the new ruling majority to make decisions to boost social security of the nation and fight social exclusion.

In her words, it is just as important to take decisions to facilitate economic development – balance the Labour Code, strengthen transparent business, further seek energy security and follow sustainable financial policies.

The state should be governed in a transparent manner “to make people feel that the administration is working for them rather than interest groups,” said Grybauskaitė, emphasizing the need to restructure state-run companies, bring more transparency to public procurement and continue efforts against corruption.

Lithuania should also restructure the education system, step up its diplomatic relations and ensure readiness to counter geopolitical challenges, she added.

Skvernelis, former police chief and interior minister, was the number one candidate on the list of the Lithuanian Peasant and Green Union that triumphed in the October parliamentary elections.

The LPGU political group includes 59 members in the country’s 141-seat parliament. The group has formed the ruling coalition with the Social Democrats.