“It would have been an honor to work as a European Commissioner, but I will continue to serve my country, help Ukraine and fight for Europe’s future in other ways.
I thank everyone for the support and demonstrated love for my work and for Lithuania,” wrote G. Landsbergis in a tweet.
Minister of Foreign Affairs G. Landsbergis told Elta on Friday that he had received information that President Gitanas Nausėda would not approve of his candidacy for European Commissioner. Therefore, according to the conservative leader, Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė should look for other names when looking for a candidate for the European Commission (EC).
“First of all, I am grateful for the support and for the fact that I was presented by the Prime Minister, and for the fact that Mrs. Ursula von der Leyen (President of the EC – ELTA) expressed to me the support that is presented to me.” The leader of the European People’s Party, Manfred Weber, also said publicly. This is really important and I really appreciate it. Realizing that this is in no way acceptable and unimportant for one institution or even the head of the institution, I think it is necessary to look for another option,” G. Landsbergis said to Eltai on Friday evening.
Although it was previously announced that Mr. Landsbergis’ candidacy was not officially presented to the president, Mr. Landsbergis himself says that the available information allows us to say that the process of coordinating his candidacy took place.
The leader of the conservatives asserts that he is familiar with information that allows us to conclude that the president, whose approval is necessary when appointing a Lithuanian candidate for European commissioners, will definitely not approve his candidacy.
“Those wordings that were passed on to me about the conversations that took place during the discussions or presentation allow us to assume that the Presidency was not concerned with what portfolios Lithuania would have. Their most important priority was that no portfolio should go to one person,” said the minister.
ELTA reminds that for a long time it was unofficially said that the Minister of Foreign Affairs G. Landsbergis was applying for the post in Brussels. A large number of members of the Conservative Party have also openly expressed their support for this potential candidacy. However, the minister himself had not publicly expressed such an intention for a long time.
President G. Nausėda, whose approval is necessary for the delegation of Lithuania’s representative to the EC, has repeatedly made it clear that he would not be inclined to support G. Landsbergis’ candidacy. He has stated that he sees better candidates than G. Landsbergis. In addition, the head of the country said that Vilnius should pursue portfolios that are related to the economic field. The advisor to the president, Frederikas Janson, hinted that both the prime minister herself and the finance minister Gintarė Skaistė could apply for such an EC portfolio.
There was no lack of skepticism in the Seimas, either, when assessing G. Landsbergi’s chances of becoming a European Commissioner. Not only the opposition, but also the representatives of the ruling majority have publicly stated that they do not support this candidacy.
The nomination of the Eurocommissioner is submitted by the Government after the position has been agreed with the President and the Seimas.
2024-08-17 11:56:41