Lithuanian Parliament Backs Ruginiene to Form New Government

Lithuania's parliament has moved to solidify Inga Ruginiene, the Social Affairs Minister and former trade union leader, as the country's next prime minister following the resignation of her predecessor, Gintautas Paluckas, amid investigations into his business dealings. Ruginiene was approved by parliament to form a new cabinet and is awaiting presidential approval before facing a second parliamentary vote in September to confirm her government's manifesto. Despite protests against potential coalition ties with the populist National Dawn party, which the president opposes for cabinet inclusion due to its leader's controversial legal issues, Ruginiene intends to continue Lithuania's strong support for Ukraine and maintain defense spending at 5-6% of GDP. The Social Democrats have secured a center-left coalition with a solid parliamentary majority, and Finance Minister Rimantas Sadzius is currently serving as acting prime minister. Ruginiene emphasized restoring governmental stability and fulfilling voter mandates amid this political transition. Lithuania's foreign policy is expected to remain consistent under her leadership, with President Gitanas Nausėda continuing as the country's principal international representative.