Some 16.1 percent of respondents said Butkevičius was best suited for the position, ousting the long-time favorite Irena Degutienė of the ruling Homeland Union – Lithuanian Christian Democrats (conservatives) from the top of the list. According to the poll carried out by Spinter Tyrimai (Spinter Surveys) in June, Labor Party's chairman Viktor Uspaskich headed the list in April.
In the June survey, 16.1 percent said Butkevičius would best fill the PM post, while Degutienė and Uspaskich were supported for the position by 15.7 percent and 14.4 percent of those polled, respectively. In May, Degutienė enjoyed support of 15.9 percent, Butkevičius 14.5 percent, and Uspaskich 13.3 percent.
According to the poll, MEP Rolandas Paksas, leader of the Order and Justice party, is the 4th most popular candidate supported by 7.6 percent, while 4.9 percent said they would want to see incumbent Andrius Kubilius of the conservatives and Vilnius Mayor Arturas Zuokas in the post.
Another 4.6 percent said Eligijus Masiulis, leader of the Liberal Movement, was suitable for heading the government, 3 percent said the position would be best filled by Social Democratic MEP Vilija Blinkevičiūtė, while Valentinas Mazuronis of the Order and Justice party and Finance Minister Ingrida Šimonytė were named by 2.7 percent and 2.5 percent, respectively.
The survey of 1,008 residents between 18 and 75 was carried out between 15 and 22 June.