Lithuanian PM Ruginienė denies clinging to office, declines to discuss future posts

Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė on Monday dismissed claims she is resisting pressure to step down, but refused to engage in speculation about potential changes to her position or other government roles, LRT reports.

Her comments follow a statement by Social Democratic Party leader Mindaugas Sinkevičius, who declared readiness to “take responsibility” for implementing changes if the ruling coalition replaces the Nemuno Aušra party with the Democrats’ For Lithuania alliance.

“You’re asking a question that matters to someone who feels clinging to their seat. I’m not clinging to any position and never will be where fate doesn’t lead me,” Ruginienė told journalists in Vilnius. She insisted discussions about her political future were “not even worth having.”

Media reports, citing anonymous sources, had suggested Sinkevičius aims to replace Ruginienė as prime minister. When asked if she would consider the Seimas speakership instead, she reiterated her focus on “change, not positions.”

Ruginienė acknowledged ongoing coalition shifts would “naturally” bring government adjustments but stressed cabinet work continues unaffected. “I understand everyone’s curiosity, but I want to assure you the government is working and will keep working as usual,” she said.

Reflecting on her tenure, she described entering politics to “do the work I couldn’t accomplish in trade unions,” adding she had “no regrets” despite knowing her approval ratings would decline. “I came to work for the welfare of every person in Lithuania. That’s what I did and will keep doing,” she said.

The proposed coalition—Social Democrats, Democrats For Lithuania, and the Farmers/Greens—would hold 75 seats in the 141-member Seimas, down from the current 80-seat majority with Nemuno Aušra.