VILNIUS (Monitoring Desk) – Lithuania’s parliament on Tuesday elected Inga Ruginienė, a former labor union chief and relative newcomer to politics, as the country’s next prime minister after her predecessor stepped down over corruption probes.
Ruginienė, 44, secured the top post with 78 votes in favor and 35 against. She was nominated by President Gitanas Nausėda, who described her as “a constructive negotiator who seeks compromise.”
Before entering politics, Ruginienė led Lithuania’s trade union confederation. She joined the Social Democratic Party ahead of last year’s elections and went on to serve as minister for social affairs and labor under Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas.
Paluckas resigned in late July after media reports detailed questionable financial dealings and past business ventures, prompting official investigations by anti-corruption bodies. His short tenure lasted less than a year.
In her address to lawmakers, Ruginienė promised to “restore stability” and ensure the government delivers on the mandate given by voters.
The Social Democrats have already formed a new ruling coalition with two smaller partners, securing a comfortable majority of 82 seats in the 141-member Seimas. Ruginienė’s appointment now awaits a formal swearing-in, considered a mere formality.
Foreign policy is expected to remain steady, as President Nausėda — a strong supporter of Ukraine and a key voice in NATO and the EU — continues to lead Lithuania’s international stance. The Baltic nation of 2.8 million shares borders with both Belarus and Russia’s Kaliningrad exclave, giving its role in the Western alliance added weight.
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