Lithuanian Prime Minister Resigns Along with Entire Government
Inga Ruginiene has stepped down after ten months in office, and a new coalition has nominated Social Democratic leader Mindaugas Sinkevicius as her successor.
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Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene announced her resignation on Tuesday, June 23, along with the entire government, ending her ten-month tenure as head of government. Simultaneously, the newly formed ruling coalition has nominated Mindaugas Sinkevicius, chairman of the Lithuanian Social Democratic Party, for the post of prime minister. Ruginiene is expected to continue in the new government as Minister of Social Security and Labour.
The coalition change follows the Social Democrats, the largest political force in the Lithuanian Seimas, deciding to end cooperation with the populist party "Dawn of Nemunas" due to prolonged disagreements.
Ruginiene told journalists that Sinkevicius should have become prime minister last year after the resignation of her predecessor, Gintautas Paluckas. Her government's tenure was marked by several challenges, including incidents with contraband balloons, drone incursions, a record defense budget of 5.38% of GDP, and changes of culture and defense ministers.
Ruginiene assumed office in August 2024 after Paluckas stepped down over allegations of unethical financial dealings involving loans, EU funds, and business ties.
