"It seems to me that the requirements for ministers are lowered considerably, and I am worried, as Lithuania has truly difficult tasks ahead of it – EU presidency starting on 1July next year, and this will take much more than loud presence in the opposition and criticizing the administration. In this sense, I think that the requirement of readiness for the qualified and responsible work should be very important to the future prime minister and the president," Kubilius told Žinių Radijas news radio on Thursday.
He also emphasized the importance of impeccable reputation of candidates for ministers.
"Indeed, an impeccable reputation and transparency, or, in other words – entirely clear future - should be very important for every candidate aspiring for such posts. Please be reminded that (the Labour Party's candidate for interior minister) Remigijus Žemaitaitis came the political arena from the Vilnius municipality where he worked as adviser with Mayor Imbrasas, Vice-Mayor Lementauskas, and this should be thoroughly remembered and examined," Kubilius said.
In his words, competence and transparency of ministers is the responsibility of the premier-to-be.
During Lithuania's EU presidency in the second half of 2013, the country's ministers will be responsible for operations of the EU Council, which serves as a meeting platform for representatives of all countries, will represent the institution in negotiations with the European Commission (EC) and the European Parliament (EP), as well as present Lithuania's position in relations with third countries and international organizations.
