Lithuania's New Government Takes Oath in Parliament

On Tuesday, July 8, Lithuania's new government, headed by Social Democratic Party leader Mindaugas Sinkevičius, took the official oath of office in parliament. This is the third cabinet since the 2024 parliamentary elections, which were won by the Social Democrats.

The coalition consists of the Social Democrats, the Democratic Union "In the Name of Lithuania," and the Farmers and Greens Union, which operates in a joint faction with the Electoral Action of Poles in Lithuania – Christian Families Union. Together, they hold 75 out of 141 seats.

Four ministers from the previous Social Democratic government retained their positions: Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys (non-partisan), Defense Minister Robertas Kaunas, Transport Minister Juras Taminskas, and Education, Science and Sports Minister Raminta Popovienė. The other Social Democratic ministers were replaced. Finance Minister Taurimas Valys (former deputy foreign minister), Interior Minister Martynas Katelinas (MP), Culture Minister Lukas Alsis (former chancellor of the Ministry of Culture), Environment Minister Ieva Andriulaitienė (former head of the Lithuanian Union of Municipalities' representation in Brussels), and Social Security and Labor Minister Inga Ruginienė (former prime minister who previously held this post) took office.

From the Democratic Union, Energy Minister Lukas Savickas (former economy minister), Agriculture Minister Kęstutis Mažeika (former environment minister), and Health Minister Linas Kukuraitis (former social security minister) were appointed. From the Farmers and Greens/Poles faction, Economy and Innovation Minister Edvinas Grikšas and Justice Minister Rita Tamašunienė continued in their roles.

Prior to the oath, the Seimas approved the government's program, which promises to limit price increases by boosting household incomes faster, reduce healthcare waiting lists, and prioritize air defense.

The opposition has questioned the government's legitimacy, noting that the program was registered on July 3, while the president's decree approving the government was signed only on July 7. Social Democrats argue that the legally significant date is July 7, when the program was officially submitted to parliament. According to the constitution, the prime minister must submit the government and its program to the Seimas within 15 days of appointment.

The spring session of the Seimas was extended to July 14 to allow for the government's approval, despite originally being scheduled to end on June 30.

The new coalition was formed after the Social Democrats ended their partnership with the populist party "Dawn of Nemunas" in June due to prolonged disagreements. The previous coalition, which included the Social Democrats, Dawn of Nemunas, and the Farmers and Greens Union, was established in summer 2024 after former Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas resigned following revelations of irregularities in his business dealings. It held 80 seats.