According to the leader of the conservatives, despite the Government’s prerogative to propose a candidate, it is not worth hoping that the head of the country, Gitanas Nausėda, would approve his candidacy.
The minister regrets that the president was not convinced by the support of European politicians, including the President of the European Commission (EC), Ursula von der Leyen, who, according to well-informed sources, responded favorably to the possibility of the head of Lithuania’s diplomacy to apply for the portfolio of the European Commissioner.
“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 expressed the support that I am presented with. 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 irrelevant 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, noting that the prime minister needs to look for another candidate.
“I would suggest the Prime Minister to do so,” he said.
The leader of the conservatives asserts that he is familiar with the information, which leads to the conclusion that the president, whose approval is necessary for the appointment of the 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.
“Not only is it similar, but this is clear – under no circumstances will it be confirmed,” he added.
Claims that the process of coordinating his candidacy was underway
However, G. Landsberg’s candidacy was not officially presented to the president. At least neither Prime Minister I. Šimonytė nor President G. Nausėda publicly mentioned it.
However, G. Landsbergis himself says that the available information allows us to say that the process of coordinating his candidacy took place.
“It looks like the process has been going on for a long time. Probably more than a few weeks. As far as I was made aware of the situation. That whole process could probably be called submission. I interpret it this way, because I did not participate in the meetings myself and I was introduced to them only recently,” said the minister.
G. Landsbergis is convinced that, despite the positions repeatedly expressed by the Presidency, Lithuania should claim a portfolio related to security or foreign policy. According to him, the supervision of these areas would bring the most benefits to Lithuania.
“I stand by my opinion that the area where geopolitical significance can be directly ensured is foreign policy. I think we need to look for a candidate who can work in this field. I think that the Homeland Union will have such among the conservatives,” he said.
“After receiving the transport portfolio, it is difficult to expect that Lithuania would have additional benefits from that portfolio. Simply because it is the European Union (EU) commissioner who has to take care of EU-wide transport. The part of Lithuanian politics in it is very small. (…) Meanwhile, the foreign or security area, which is directly related to our defense and security and the situation in Ukraine – here we, defending the interest of the EU, would directly defend the interest of Lithuania”, explained G. Landsbergis.
It was the positions related to security and foreign policy that, according to the governing conservatives, G. Landsbergis could best apply for. Therefore, summarizing the situation, the minister states, it seems that it is not very important for the Presidency, which portfolio EC Lithuania will receive.
“Neither the portfolios, nor the image of Lithuania, nor other things are relevant to the people – then the party and the prime minister of the party, who must nominate (the new candidate – ELTA), must bear that responsibility,” 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.
2024-08-18 02:05:35