Lithuania’s designated prime minister Sinkevičius announces cabinet, Budrys remains foreign minister

Lithuania’s designated prime minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius has announced the composition of his cabinet, with Kęstutis Budrys retaining his position as foreign minister, LRT.lt reports.

Sinkevičius revealed the lineup on Friday via Facebook, ending speculation over key roles. Taurimas Valys is nominated as finance minister, while Ieva Andriulaitytė, Lithuania’s representative to the Association of Local Authorities in Brussels, is proposed for environment minister. Martynas Katelynas, a member of parliament, is tapped for interior minister.

Inga Ruginienė, the outgoing prime minister, is set to lead the Ministry of Social Security and Labour. Lukas Alsys, currently the ministry’s chancellor, will replace Vaida Aleknavičienė as culture minister. Other Social Democratic Party-nominated ministers—Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas, Transport Minister Juras Taminskas, and Education, Science and Sports Minister Raminta Popovienė—will remain in their posts.

Coalition partners have also proposed their candidates: Kęstutis Mažeika (Agriculture), Linas Kukuraitis (Health), and Lukas Savickas (Energy). Edvinas Grikšas will continue as economy and innovation minister, and Rita Tamašunienė as justice minister.

Sinkevičius defended his choice to keep Budrys, stating: “We must maintain consistency in foreign policy. I believe Kęstutis Budrys is the most suitable candidate for that.”

He expressed hope that the president would endorse the new government, adding: “I expect courage, initiative, and the ability to change what isn’t working from each minister. Lithuania needs a new pace, not bureaucratic inertia. I expect solidarity, responsibility, and the ability to communicate with people from the entire government.”

Among the new government’s priorities, Sinkevičius highlighted strengthening defence, regional development, and support for families, as well as increased funding for schools, roads, healthcare, and social security.

The new ruling coalition, formed by the Lithuanian Social Democratic Party, the Democratic Union “For Lithuania,” and the Lithuanian Farmers and Greens Union, holds 75 seats in parliament. This will be the third governing majority and cabinet in a year and a half, following persistent disagreements among coalition partners since the 2024 parliamentary elections.