R. Žemaitaitis on the decision to replace I. Hofman: the Ministry's staff needs a firmer hand

With the outgoing Minister of Agriculture Ignas Hofmanas not understanding why it was decided to look for a replacement, Remigijus Žemaitaitis, leader of "Nemunas aušros", says the ministry's staff needed a firmer hand. However, the politician hopes that I. Hofmanas will remain in the team of Andris Palionis, who is running for minister.

„It was the decision of the party, the board (decided – ELTA). I want Ignas to continue to work for Andrius (Palionis – ELTA). We need a firmer hand in the ministry when it comes to staff," Žemaitaitis told reporters ahead of a meeting with Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene.

„The chaos that goes on in the ministry, all the telecommuting and the aunties, ladies and ciocés curling their hair, giving massages, pedicures, manicures during their working hours. That is not acceptable to me. Either they skate out with their lace dots or they start working for the state," he stressed.

Speaking about Palionis' candidacy, the leader of the "Dawnbreakers" said he has not heard any negative indications from the Presidency so far.

„I have not received a negative indication, at least I have no information. I think everything is fine there," Žemaitaitis said.

Under the new coalition agreement, „Nemuno aušra“ has retained the possibility to nominate a candidate to the Ministry of Agriculture (MAA). Until now, the ministry was headed by I. Hofmanas.

On Thursday, President Gitanas Nausėda met with Andrius Palionis, the candidate for Minister of Agriculture. The Agriculture Minister-designate says he has received an invitation to run for the post from the Prime Minister-designate Inga Ruginienė. According to her, this offer was agreed with „Nemunas aušra“.