Premier Inga Ruginienė expresses enthusiasm for foreign policy but faces criticism over perceived lack of expertise
Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė has repeatedly emphasised her interest in foreign policy, positioning herself as a more active leader in diplomacy than her predecessors. However, some analysts and political figures have questioned her competence in the field, suggesting she should focus instead on domestic affairs.
Ruginienė has dismissed such criticism, arguing that leadership should not be confined to narrow areas of expertise. In an interview with news portal Lrytas, she responded to former conservative Prime Minister Ingridą Šimonyte, who suggested that social democratic ambitions in foreign policy reflect insecurity. “It’s strange that she seems to believe a prime minister should act like a blind dog focused only on a narrow area,” Ruginienė said. “I won’t repeat that experience. I will act according to my principles.”
In recent months, Ruginienė has taken a more visible role in foreign policy debates. She has advocated for renaming Taiwan’s representative office in Vilnius and normalising relations with China. Her government also facilitated the departure of Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Cichanouskaja from Lithuania.
Tensions have emerged between Ruginienė and Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys, with some Social Democratic leaders privately criticising his alignment with conservative diplomatic approaches and lack of party affiliation. Ruginienė reportedly opposed Budrys’ proposal for Lithuania to negotiate a bilateral critical minerals agreement with the United States if the European Union delayed, responding with a blunt “No.”
Some political observers say Ruginienė has taken a more hands-on approach in areas such as relations with Taiwan and China, as well as the management of the balloon smuggling crisis and repatriation of citizens from the Middle East. There are reports she suggested to President Gitanas Nausėda that his national security adviser, Deividas Matulionis, might be better suited to lead foreign policy.
Despite her ambitions, Ruginienė faces scrutiny over her own diplomatic conduct. The Chief Ethics Commission is reviewing several of her official visits abroad, following a complaint by MP Agnė Širinskienė regarding potential conflicts of interest during trips to Milan and Rome with family members.
Ruginienė has also expressed interest in participating in European Council summits and supports a more flexible division of diplomatic responsibilities between the president and government. This stance echoes a similar proposal made by conservatives during the previous term, which led to strained relations with President Nausėda.
Meanwhile, Vytautas Magnus University professor Česlovas Laurinavičius has warned of risks if the government attempts to take over parts of diplomacy traditionally led by the president.