Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė will travel to Italy with her family – husband Vismantas and their two children – from March 6 to March 8, a spokesperson confirmed. The trip is sparking discussion following a similar instance when the Prime Minister traveled with her husband to the Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina.
The Prime Minister’s office stated the invitation extended to the entire family, and the government will cover the travel expenses, adhering to established protocol for official visits. According to the office, this practice is standard when a diplomatic invitation is issued to a family.
Šimonytė’s children have been listed as accompanying persons on the delegation, which will similarly include a representative from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Lithuania’s ambassador to the Holy Notice, several government officials, and the Prime Minister’s security detail.
“The travel expenses of the Prime Minister’s family members will be paid from the funds of the Government Office, in accordance with applicable laws and established protocol rules,” the Prime Minister’s representative said.
Previously, Šimonytė defended a trip to the Milan and Cortina Winter Olympics with her husband, stating the purpose was to support Lithuanian athletes. “The purpose of the visit is probably not so much international diplomacy as (a desire – Lrytas) to support our athletes who are there. And I am very happy that I met shining eyes, a real passion for sports,” Šimonytė told journalists, adding that she brought back “good impressions, warmth, smiles and the spirit of the fans.”
The Government Office at the time described the visit as “an crucial diplomatic mission in a broader geopolitical context,” rather than simply a show of support for the athletes.
A government order detailing the delegation to Milan indicated six people were scheduled to travel for a five-day trip – the Prime Minister, her husband Vismantas Ruginis, advisors Kęstutis Kudzmanas and Povilas Saulevičius, and two officers from the Presidential Security Service.
The expenses for all delegation members, including the Prime Minister’s husband, were covered by the Government Office and relevant institutions. As of now, more than 10,300 euros have been spent on the trip, with nearly 3,000 euros covering flight costs. The invoice for accommodation at the “Principe di Savoia” hotel was still pending at the time of reporting.
The Government Office noted that the “Principe di Savoia” hotel also hosted the President and Prime Minister of Latvia, as well as other heads of state.
