Lithuanian parliament approves candidacy of Social Democrat as prime minister

(MENAFN) Lithuania’s parliament has officially approved the candidate for prime minister put forward by the newly established ruling coalition, according to reports.

Social Democrat Inga Ruginiene secured parliamentary approval following an agreement reached on Monday, in which the Social Democrats (LSDP) joined forces with two other parties to form a new government.

Ruginiene will formally assume the role of prime minister once President Gitanas Nauseda issues an official decree and she takes the oath in parliament.

The coalition agreement was signed between the LSDP, the Nemunas Dawn political party, and the Lithuanian Farmers, Green and Christian Families Union parliamentary group. Together, the new governing bloc will control 82 out of 141 parliamentary seats, with the Social Democrats holding the largest portion at 52 seats.

Under the coalition’s plan, priorities include safeguarding citizens from external threats, ensuring sufficient defense funding, fostering local business, and improving family welfare. The coalition also pledged to raise excise taxes on tobacco, alcohol, electronic cigarettes, and related products, as well as implement measures to combat xenophobia.

The agreement stated, "We commit to swiftly and effectively implementing the necessary measures to ensure Lithuania's security needs and provide strong support for Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression and on its path toward integration into the European Union and NATO."

The formation of the new government follows the collapse of the previous administration. Former Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas resigned from both his role as prime minister and as LSDP party chairman on July 31 amid allegations regarding past business dealings and ethical concerns.

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