Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis has withdrawn from the EU Commissioner race after the country’s president declined to support his candidacy.
In Lithuania, the candidate for the position of European Commissioner is typically nominated by the government, but this nomination requires the approval of the president.
Despite being the top candidate from his party, Homeland Union – the leading party in the current right-wing government coalition, Landsbergis faced strong opposition from President Gitanas Nausėda, who deemed him unsuitable for the position.
“It would have been a great honour to serve as Lithuania's European Commissioner, but I will continue to serve my country, help Ukraine and fight for Europe's future in other ways,” Landsbergis wrote on X.
Despite being the top candidate from his party, Homeland Union – the leading party in the current right-wing government coalition, Landsbergis faced strong opposition from President Gitanas Nausėda, who deemed him unsuitable for the position.
“It would have been a great honour to serve as Lithuania's European Commissioner, but I will continue to serve my country, help Ukraine and fight for Europe's future in other ways,” Landsbergis wrote on X.
It would have been a great honour to serve as Lithuania's European Commissioner, but I will continue to serve my country, help Ukraine and fight for Europe's future in other ways. I thank everyone here deeply for the support and love you show for my work and for Lithuania. ❤️🇱🇹
— Gabrielius Landsbergis🇱🇹 (@GLandsbergis) August 17, 2024
Bout with president
Landsbergis, who was considered a leading contender for the EU Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, has had a tense relationship with President Nausėda, Poland’s state news agency (PAP) reported.
As PAP reports, a couple of weeks ago Nausėda said he saw better candidates than Landsbergis for the commissioner's post.
The agency added that Nausėda suggested that Lithuania should aim for a more economically focused commissioner.
Presidential adviser Frederik Jansons suggested that Lithuania’s commissioner post could be taken on by either Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė or Finance Minister Gintarė Skaistė.
As PAP reports, a couple of weeks ago Nausėda said he saw better candidates than Landsbergis for the commissioner's post.
The agency added that Nausėda suggested that Lithuania should aim for a more economically focused commissioner.
Presidential adviser Frederik Jansons suggested that Lithuania’s commissioner post could be taken on by either Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė or Finance Minister Gintarė Skaistė.
Source: PAP, Reuters, X
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