We had some informal issues to address: the energy breakthrough package, the Rheinmetall issue, which has now been resolved, but the work on it had already begun. I had to complete those tasks as per our agreement,” K. Starkevičius told “Žinių radio” on Thursday, when asked to elaborate on his earlier hints that I. Šimonytė had mentioned to him several years ago the possibility of becoming a member of the Government.
“I can be honest. The Prime Minister had already hinted at this during the middle of his term, but the work on the Economic Committee, the energy breakthrough package, and other economic issues were of great importance,” K. Starkevičius told LRT television on Tuesday.
However, the Prime Minister did not confirm such public statements from K. Starkevičius.
“I usually refrain from commenting on private conversations or rumors, which are numerous and varied,” the Prime Minister said in a comment relayed to Elta on Wednesday.
When asked if he had received any reprimands from the Head of Government for his openness, K. Starkevičius claimed that such conversations are a normal part of political life.
“Politicians are always trying to be open and engage in conversations. There are always discussions and negotiations happening. The Prime Minister makes the most optimal decisions, and in this case, such a decision was definitely made,” said the politician who will take office next week.
ELTA reminds that President Gitanas Nausėda signed a decree on the updated composition of the Government on Monday evening. The head of the country approved the candidacies of two new ministers – K. Starkevičius and Aurim Pečkauskas. The latter will still have to take an oath in the Seimas. K. Starkevičius and A. Pečkauskas replaced the ministers who had received the most criticism from the president – K. Navickas and Arūnas Dulkis.