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The candidacy of Gabrielius Landsberis, chairman of the Lithuanian Christian National-Democratic Union (TS-LKD) party, for the post of Foreign Minister attracted great public interest. In evaluating I. Šimonytė’s decision to nominate a Conservative leader to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), political scientists emphasized that the party had many alternatives, but recognized that Landsbergis’ competencies to serve as minister in this field were appropriate.
Political scientists also pointed out that G. Landsbergis would undoubtedly be a more independent minister than his predecessor Linas Linkevičius, his leadership in the Foreign Ministry could also have certain ideological and valuable spices. Still, experts agree that this should not be the result of friction between the Conservative leader and President Gitan Nauseda.
The decision to nominate Mr. Landsberg was determined by the political interests of the party.
Professor Tomas Janeliūnas of the Vilnius University Institute of International Relations and Political Science (VU TSPMI) points out that conservatives had many alternatives in choosing a candidate for chancellor. However, the political scientist is convinced that the decision was determined mainly by the political interests of the party.
“The election was really quite wide, but in this case, apparently it played the political interests of the party, because it really is very important that the party president is constantly visible, has a clear and prominent position in the public space, and the position of Chancellor really provides such opportunities. This is probably one of the reasons why G. Landsbergis himself wanted that position, “T. Janeliūnas told Eltai.
However, the professor points out that the experience gained by G. Landsbergis in the field of foreign affairs is suitable for the post of minister.
He really has experience, because at the beginning of his career he worked in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he also has the experience of being a member of the European Parliament, he communicates quite well with representatives of foreign countries and foreign parties of various levels. It is probably not possible to attach something to this place that prevents him from occupying that position, ”said the political scientist, recalling that G. Landsbergis also has a master’s degree from TSPMI.
When asked if the candidacy of G. Landsbergis means that G. Nausėda failed to extend the tradition formed by Dalia Grybauskaitė of actively participating in the appointment of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the political scientist emphasized that the president did not even show signs of seeking to see her man.
“Yes, in this sense, G. Landsbergis can really be such an independent foreign minister, and the chances of direct influence or subordination of the Presidency to the Presidency would probably diminish. On the other hand, so far no one has shown any signs that the Presidency desperately wants an obedient foreign minister. In this sense, it may not be a pre-programmed conflict, ”he said.
T. Janeliūnas emphasizes that despite the fact that after G. Landsbergis became minister, there would be more independence in the policy followed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, but according to him, the coordination of positions between the Presidency and the Ministry is inevitably mandatory.
“These two institutions really have to work very well and in the same direction if we want to expect an effective foreign policy in general. And I think I should be able to find a way to harmonize the provisions to avoid conflict. And we should probably hope that there are no personal ambitions to get in the way, “said the professor.
However, the political scientist points out that after G. Landsberg became minister, partisan and ideological interests would not be in last place.
I think that as party leader Gabriel Landsbergis will really have some ideological interests: how, with whom and what values to emphasize in foreign policy, can there really be more political politics in this place, that is, some ideological values can really appear in the foreign policy. “, – admitted T. Janeliūnas.
“It is not just a dry diplomatic job, but maybe you can expect a bit of ideological flavor or courage,” he added.
However, T. Janeliūnas states that he does not realize the essential value differences between G. Nausėda and G. Landsbergis.
“I don’t see any significant difference yet. They are those ideological attitudes or those ideological condiments that may be in foreign policy and will not be a reason for confrontation between the Presidency and the Minister of Foreign Affairs,” said the political scientist.
Mr. Landsbergis will be self-employed as Minister, as he will have strong support
At the time, Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) associate professor Andžejus Pukštas also claims that G. Landsbergis from the TS-LKD party is one of the strongest candidates for the position of head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“Among TS-LKD, he is one of the strongest candidates with experience in both the Foreign Office and the European Parliament. It is probably natural that the party leader has the ambition to test himself in some important position,” he said. A. Pukštas.
He also believes that the nominations of all the ministers were at least tentatively agreed upon with the president before they were made public. For this reason, the political scientist points out that it is no coincidence that G. Landsberg’s tone towards the president has recently softened.
“For a long time, G. Landsbergis has not criticized G. Nausėda. I think this kind of flirtation between Mr. Landsberg and the president has already taken place. I don’t think there will be a day of surprises, explosions on Wednesday. I think that still there were some traces between the conservative leaders and G. Nausėda, “he said.
A. Pukštas also agrees with T. Janeliūnas and believes that in foreign policy there are no essential differences between the vision of the Presidency and the foreign policy of G. Landsbergis.
“The state can never have two or three foreign politicians. There can be disagreements on the implementation of foreign policy instruments, on individual candidates for ambassadors, but not on directions, on a common vision,” he said.
However, the political scientist points out that G. Landsbergis, once he became a minister, would undoubtedly follow a much more independent policy than his predecessor Linas Linkevičius.
“There will definitely be more autonomy, because he is still a party candidate, and he will have support in the Seimas Foreign Affairs Committee, and eventually he will have broader support throughout the party.” It will probably have more political instruments “, A. Pukštas shared his ideas.
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