Ruginienė will remain in political spotlight, says Social Democrat leader Sinkevičius

Lithuanian Social Democratic Party (LSDP) leader Mindaugas Sinkevičius has stated that current Prime Minister Ingrida Ruginienė will retain an active role in politics regardless of potential government changes, public broadcaster LRT reports.

Speaking on Monday, Sinkevičius dismissed speculation that Ruginienė might be sidelined, emphasising that she would “find her place in the political kitchen” and remain closely involved with his team. “She will not be inactive, invisible, or hidden somewhere on a reserve bench,” he told the news portal *15min*.

The comments follow ongoing discussions about a possible leadership shift as the ruling coalition undergoes restructuring. Last week, the LSDP council decided to exclude the *Nemuno Aušra* party from the governing majority and begin consultations with the *Democratic Union “For Lithuania”* to form a new alliance.

Sinkevičius acknowledged that Ruginienė could theoretically assume the role of Speaker of the Seimas, currently held by Juozas Olekas, but expressed satisfaction with Olekas’s performance. “Theoretically, many things are possible, but I haven’t heard any serious criticism of the Speaker from either the party or the public,” he said. “Personally, I believe he handles his duties well.”

The LSDP leader declined to specify the extent of potential cabinet changes but suggested that between four and six ministers could be replaced. “We’ll likely need to return to the Seimas for approval,” he noted, adding that clarity on the government’s future composition should emerge within two weeks.

Unconfirmed reports indicate that the Social Democrats may consider replacing Finance Minister Kristupas Vaitiekūnas, Interior Minister Vladislavas Kondratovičius, and Culture Minister Vaida Aleknavičienė in the reshuffled cabinet.