The leader of the Social Democrats of Lithuania, Mindaugas Šinkevičius, announced that he is taking office as prime minister, while a new government coalition is being formed following the expulsion of the Nemunas Dawn party.
New government in Lithuania, with Šinkevičius as Prime Minister
The leader of the ruling Social Democratic Party of Lithuania, Mindaugas Šinkevičius, announced that he will succeed the current prime minister Inga Ruginienė, who, as he noted, will remain “an important member of the team.”
The announcement was made on Tuesday, June 16, with Šinkevičius confirming via a post on Facebook that he is taking on the responsibility of forming the new government and serving as prime minister.
This development comes at a time of significant upheaval in the country’s political landscape. Earlier this month, the ruling Social Democrats decided to expel the Dawn of the Nemunas party from the coalition, led by Remigijus Zemaitis, who was convicted last December of anti-Semitic crimes of hate.
“For Lithuania” Coalition, with defense as a priority
Following these developments, the Social Democrats, the Lithuanian Farmers and Greens Union, and the Union of Democrats are moving to form a new governing coalition called “For Lithuania”.
The three parties are expected to sign on Thursday governance agreement and present the new cabinet, marking a new political phase for the country.
Referring to the recent violations of Lithuanian airspace by unmanned aerial vehicles, Sinkevičius emphasized the need to further strengthen defense, while stressing that the country’s foreign policy must remain active, consistent, and focused on achieving tangible results.
