Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė and her cabinet have tendered their resignations following significant changes to the ruling coalition. This development signals the potential for the appointment of the country’s third prime minister within two years and for an incoming government committed to fostering a more pragmatic relationship with China after a period of strained diplomatic ties.
The collapse of Ruginienė’s government followed the centre-left Social Democrats’ decision to terminate their coalition agreement with the far-right populist Nemuno Aušra party, which is currently facing allegations of antisemitic rhetoric against one of its former leaders. Remigijus Žemaitaitis, a former lawmaker, was fined €5,000 by a Lithuanian court last year for inciting hatred against Jewish communities and for minimising the atrocities committed by Nazi Germany, as well as downplaying the Holocaust through offensive social media posts and public statements made in May and June 2023. This case is presently under review by the appeals court, as prosecutors seek a more stringent sentence, while Žemaitaitis maintains his innocence.
The resignation decree will be submitted to President Gitanas Nausėda, who is expected to request that the outgoing administration remain in a caretaker capacity until a new government is established. In her address to the ministers, Ruginienė, a Social Democrat and former labour union leader, expressed pride in their collective achievements, stating, “Despite the challenges we faced, each of you has made a significant contribution to the welfare of our state and the improvement of its citizens’ lives.”
The president has a 15-day timeframe to propose a candidate for the prime minister position to the parliament. According to the coalition agreement signed last week by the newly formed ruling majority, it is anticipated that Social Democratic Party leader Mindaugas Sinkevičius will be nominated. The coalition document conveys an intention to pursue more stable relations with Beijing, with the partners expressing their commitment to reestablishing diplomatic dialogue and enhancing economic cooperation where beneficial for Lithuania, while continuing to uphold obligations to the European Union, NATO, and its strategic partnership with Taiwan.
The Social Democrats have partnered with two other centre-left parties to establish a new coalition that excludes the Nemuno Aušra party. This alliance controls 75 of the 141 seats in the Seimas, the parliament. As outlined in the coalition agreement, at least four ministerial posts are expected to be reassigned, although significant strategic initiatives are likely to remain consistent. Should the Seimas approve the nominee, the prime minister-designate will have up to two weeks to present a new government and accompanying programme, which will be coordinated with the president for parliamentary approval.
This article used information from The Associated Press.
