“The conversation was about candidacy for commissioners. The President has endorsed my candidacy, it was done according to all the nomination procedures, so I am a candidate. A very important decision remains in the Seimas on Tuesday – I hope that the Seimas will also support it”, said A. Kubilius after the meeting.
The MEP indicated that he and the president discussed the portfolio of the European Commissioner, which Lithuania could aspire to.
“Discussions with Ursula von der Leyen will begin in the near future, the countries express their wishes. We exchanged opinions, they seem to me to be the same,” he said.
A. Kubilius mentioned that Lithuania could seek portfolios of defense and development European commissioners, because the competition among member countries for them is not so great.
When asked if the meeting with the president was uncomfortable and full of tension, since A. Kubilius is famous for his extremely critical statements about G. Nausėdas, the conservative himself assured that the conversation was constructive.
“No, it was really a constructive conversation. But we also discussed this question – about my critical abilities. A little with a smile. But the fact that the president, knowing my critical remarks, supported my candidacy, I dare say it is one of those slightly unexpected moments. Life is full of surprises”, said A. Kubilius.
The politician was asked if he had apologized to the president for some of his harsher expressions towards the head of the country.
“I didn’t apologize. The president accepts and values my candidacy as important, and what we have spoken or written before remains,” he said.
A few weeks ago, A. Kubilius did not spare angry words to G. Nausėda also because he does not support the candidacy of G. Landsbergis for European Commissioners.
Now A. Kubilius explained that at the time when the president said that he did not want to support the candidacy of G. Landsbergis because there are better candidates, he did not present any clear arguments.
“Now the president has presented his arguments – whether they are convincing or not is another question. The president has the right to approve or disapprove the candidacy,” he said.
Does A. Kubilius feel assured that the members of the Seimas will approve his candidacy?
“There is a ruling majority. But what can be guaranteed in a democracy? Everyone is free to vote as they see fit. This is a very important decision,” replied the conservative.
However, A. Kubilius indicated that the president has already officially informed the President of the European Commission (EC) U. von der Leyen about his candidacy.
“My name is already visible in all the summaries published by the international media as well. I believe that a conversation with U. von der Leyen will also take place in the near future, and on the way, the decision of the Seimas is really very important,” he said.
2024-08-31 13:03:30