23.06.2026 18:50
Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene resigned along with her cabinet 10 months after taking office. President Nauseda accepted the resignation, and Social Democrat leader Sinkevicius is expected to take over as the new prime minister candidate.
Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene and her cabinet in Lithuania have resigned.
STEPS DOWN AFTER 10 MONTHS
Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene resigned along with her cabinet 10 months after taking office. Ruginiene described the resignation as part of a "normal political process" and stated that Social Democrat leader Mindaugas Sinkevicius, who was expected to take over, was anticipated to assume the role last year, but "this step was merely delayed." She did not provide further details on the matter.
President Gitanas Nauseda accepted the government's resignation. Nauseda's 15-day period to propose a candidate for prime minister to parliament has begun. Ministers will remain in office temporarily in accordance with the constitution. Until the new prime minister and government are elected, Ruginiene will lead the interim government.
45-YEAR-OLD SINKEVICIUS EXPECTED TO STEP IN
Sinkevicius, 45, who is expected to succeed Ruginiene, will form his cabinet after being nominated by the president and having his candidacy approved by parliament. The cabinet will then undergo a voting process in parliament.
In mid-June, the Social Democrats ended their cooperation with coalition partner Nemunas Dawn Party. The Social Democrats replaced the Nemunas Dawn Party with the Lithuanian Democratic Union in the government. Following the formation of the new government, Ruginiene is expected to return to her former role as Minister of Social Affairs as part of a planned series of ministerial changes.