# Minister of Transport and Communications of Lithuania

The Minister of Transport and Communications (Lithuanian: Susisiekimo ministras) is a member of the executive branch of the Government of Lithuania. The minister is responsible for overseeing the country's transportation infrastructure, communication systems, and digital strategies. The Minister leads the Ministry of Transport and Communications in ensuring the development and maintenance of efficient transport networks, promoting sustainable mobility, and enhancing national communication and digital services. The role also involves shaping policies related to the country's transport regulations, fostering technological advancements in communications, and coordinating international cooperation to improve transportation and digital connectivity. Additionally, the Minister works to address evolving challenges in transport safety, logistics, and communications infrastructure.
The current incumbent is Eugenijus Sabutis who took office on 12 December 2024.

## History

The Ministry of Transport and Communications of Lithuania was first established on 11 November 1918 and it operated until the World War II. The ministry was first temporarily headed by the then Minister of Finance Martynas Yčas (1885–1941). When Lithuania regained its independence the new Government was formed on 22 March 1990, and the Ministry of Transport and Communications was re-established as well. From the very first days of its activities the most important tasks of the Ministry included taking over of the transport sector from the subordination of all-union ministries, creation of new transport strategy and legal system, integration of the Lithuanian transport sector into the European transport network.

## Duties

The Minister of Transport and Communications of Lithuania is responsible for overseeing the development, maintenance, and efficiency of the country’s transportation infrastructure, including roads, rail, air, and maritime systems. This role involves formulating policies that regulate transportation, enhance mobility, and promote environmental sustainability. The Minister also leads efforts to advance digital communication networks and telecommunications services, ensuring the country is equipped with modern and accessible digital infrastructure. Additionally, the Minister is tasked with ensuring the safety of transportation networks, implementing safety regulations, and responding to any transport-related incidents. The Minister represents Lithuania in international transport matters, fostering cooperation with other countries and organizations, and coordinates cross-border infrastructure projects. Furthermore, the Minister plays a key role in drafting legislation and regulations related to transport and communication sectors, aligning them with both national and European Union standards. Finally, the Minister supports initiatives aimed at improving public transportation and alternative mobility solutions, contributing to reduced congestion and increased accessibility.

## Ministers

Electoral Action of Poles in Lithuania Homeland Union Liberal Movement Liberal Union Social Democratic Party Independent
Ministry of Transport and Communications :
| Term | Minister | Party | Cabinet | Office | Office | Office |
| Term | Minister | Party | Cabinet | Start date | End date | Time in office |
| 1 | Jonas Biržiškis (born 1932) | Independent | Prunskienė | 17 January 1990 | 10 January 1991 | 358 days |
| 2 | Jonas Biržiškis (born 1932) | Independent | Šimėnas | 10 January 1991 | 13 January 1991 | 3 days |
| 3 | Jonas Biržiškis (born 1932) | Independent | Vagnorius | 13 January 1991 | 21 July 1992 | 1 year, 190 days |
| 4 | Jonas Biržiškis (born 1932) | Independent | Abišala | 21 July 1992 | 17 December 1992 | 149 days |
| 5 | Jonas Biržiškis (born 1932) | Independent | Lubys | 17 December 1992 | 31 March 1993 | 104 days |
| 6 | Jonas Biržiškis (born 1932) | Independent | Šleževičius | 31 March 1993 | 19 March 1996 | 2 years, 354 days |
| 7 | Jonas Biržiškis (born 1932) | Independent | Stankevičius | 19 March 1996 | 10 December 1996 | 266 days |
| 8 | Algis Žvaliauskas (born 1955) | Homeland Union | Vagnorius | 10 December 1996 | 25 November 1998 | 1 year, 350 days |
| 9 | Rimantas Didžiokas (born 1953) | Homeland Union | Vagnorius | 6 January 1999 | 10 June 1999 | 155 days |
| 10 | Rimantas Didžiokas (born 1953) | Homeland Union | Paksas | 10 June 1999 | 11 November 1999 | 154 days |
| 11 | Rimantas Didžiokas (born 1953) | Homeland Union | Kubilius | 11 November 1999 | 9 November 2000 | 364 days |
| 12 | Gintaras Striaukas (born 1960) | Liberal Union | Paksas | 9 November 2000 | 24 January 2001 | 76 days |
| 13 | Dailis Alfonsas Barakauskas (born 1952) | Liberal Union | Paksas | 24 January 2001 | 12 July 2001 | 169 days |
| 14 | Zigmantas Balčytis (born 1953) | Social Democratic Party | Brazauskas | 12 July 2001 | 14 December 2004 | 3 years, 155 days |
| 15 | Zigmantas Balčytis (born 1953) | Social Democratic Party | Brazauskas | 14 December 2004 | 14 May 2005 | 151 days |
| 16 | Petras Čėsna (born 1945) | Social Democratic Party | Brazauskas | 10 June 2005 | 18 July 2006 | 1 year, 38 days |
| 17 | Algirdas Butkevičius (born 1958) | Social Democratic Party | Kirkilas | 18 July 2006 | 27 May 2008 | 1 year, 314 days |
| 18 | Eligijus Masiulis (born 1974) | Liberal Movement | Kubilius | 9 December 2008 | 13 December 2012 | 4 years, 4 days |
| 19 | Rimantas Sinkevičius (born 1952) | Social Democratic Party | Butkevičius | 13 December 2012 | 13 December 2016 | 4 years, 0 days |
| 20 | Rokas Masiulis (born 1969) | Independent | Skvernelis | 13 December 2016 | 7 August 2019 | 2 years, 237 days |
| 21 | Jaroslav Narkevič (born 1962) | Electoral Action of Poles in Lithuania | Skvernelis | 7 August 2019 | 11 December 2020 | 1 year, 126 days |
| 22 | Marius Skuodis (born 1985) | Independent | Šimonytė | 11 December 2020 | 12 December 2024 | 4 years, 1 day |
| 23 | Eugenijus Sabutis (born 1975) | Social Democratic Party | Paluckas | 12 December 2024 | Incumbent | 96 days |