Lithuanian president sees SocDem leader 'among most serious candidates' for PM

SIAULIAI – President Gitanas Nauseda has said that he sees MEP Vilija Blinkeviciute "among the most serious candidates" to become the next prime minister if her Lithuanian Social Democratic Party (LSDP) wins the October 13 parliamentary elections. 

"I'd like to see her among the most serious candidates for the position of prime minister," Nauseda told reporters in Siauliai on Saturday.

"But let's wait for the elections and the will of the voters," he added. 

The opposition Social Democrats top opinion polls and are considered favorites to win the parliamentary elections. Blinkeviciute's approval ratings are among the highest among the country's politicians. 

Blinkeviciute has said that she will announce in mid-June whether she will stand as a candidate in October's parliamentary elections. The MEP has not revealed whether she will lead the Cabinet if the LSDP wins the elections.

The Social Democrat leader has faced public criticism for staying away from domestic politics by running for the European Parliament and failing to announce her decision on the national elections. 

The LSDP currently has 14 seats in the Lithuanian parliament.