Social Democrats’ leader should take over as prime minister, says opposition politician

The acting leader of the Democrats’ Union “For Lithuania” has urged Social Democratic Party chairman Mindaugas Sinkevičius to take direct leadership of the government to restore public trust, public broadcaster LRT reports.

Virginijus Sinkevičius told the ELTA news agency that Sinkevičius, who was elected party leader in early May, holds a strong mandate and should assume the role of prime minister to implement reforms and revive the party’s declining approval ratings.

“In my view, the best solution would be for Mindaugas Sinkevičius to take leadership. He received a very strong mandate from his party. If they truly want change, reform, and a chance for their ratings to recover, I believe he should take on that leadership,” Sinkevičius said when asked whether current Prime Minister Ingrida Ruginienė—facing mounting criticism—should be replaced.

He acknowledged that the decision ultimately rests with the Social Democrats, who currently lead the ruling coalition, but stressed that public trust in the government, parliament, and the party itself has been eroding monthly. “They can dismiss this as political opposition meddling, but I say it sincerely—he is first and foremost a politician who sees the real situation far more clearly,” Sinkevičius added.

The opposition leader also suggested that Sinkevičius, currently on leave, should use the time to reflect on his party’s direction. “As far as I know, he’s on vacation now. Maybe after his break, he’ll make a decision. I wish him good rest and time to think about what the Social Democrats are today—whether they remain a strong, pro-European, centrist force or just a follower of *Nemuno Aušra* [Dawn of Nemunas, a junior coalition partner] in this government,” he said.

Sinkevičius has previously stated he does not rule out moving to Vilnius during this parliamentary term to take a central government position, though he insists any changes should occur organically. Speculation has grown in political circles that he could replace Ruginienė, whose approval as prime minister stands at just 3.5% in the latest Spinter Tyrimai poll—ranking her fifth among potential candidates for the role.

Ruginienė, nominated by the Social Democrats, assumed office last year after her predecessor, Gintautas Paluckas, resigned amid media investigations into his and his family’s business ties. The current ruling coalition consists of the Social Democrats, *Nemuno Aušra*, and the Lithuanian Farmers, Greens, and Christian Families Union.