Lithuania’s designated prime minister to present 21st government programme to parliament

Lithuania’s designated prime minister, Social Democrat Mindaugas Sinkevičius, will present the programme of the 21st government to the Seimas (parliament) on Tuesday, LRT reports.

The programme outlines plans to strengthen national resilience, bolster family policy, increase incomes, reduce regional disparities, and set ambitious goals in defence and energy. It identifies Russia’s aggression and the shaken international order, the climate crisis, the unpredictable development of artificial intelligence, worsening demographics, and persistent cost-of-living increases as key challenges.

“We will seek a balance between security in the defence sense and ensuring human security in the social sense. I believe these are two essential aspects,” Sinkevičius told journalists last week.

The document states the government will act in the interests of all citizens, guided by the values of solidarity, equality, justice, and progress. Part of the programme continues the work of the cabinet led by Ingrida Šimonytė.

In defence, the government pledges funding that fully meets military needs and expert advice, with a focus on strengthening air defence, protection against drones, and the development of the Baltic defence line. The programme promises to urgently accelerate air threat detection and defence systems, particularly against drones, develop civilian warning systems, continue military modernisation projects, and prioritise air defence, Baltic defence line development, and the reception and supply of the German brigade by 2027.

In foreign policy, the programme reaffirms continued support for Ukraine against Russian aggression and aims to normalise diplomatic relations with China. A notable shift in tone concerns Belarus: while Šimonytė’s government programme called for “active measures to maintain the international isolation of Russia and Belarus,” Sinkevičius’s version omits Minsk, pledging only to maintain Russia’s isolation.

Economically and socially, the government vows to “soften the impact of prices” by accelerating income growth. Plans include free meals for primary school pupils in all schools, expanded non-formal education, and support for first-time homebuyers. Public sector pay regulation will be reviewed, covering government, municipal, and Seimas-subordinate institutions.

The tax system will introduce progressive taxation for the highest earners, while businesses will see a temporary halt to increases in diesel fuel excise duties.

In infrastructure and energy, the programme includes expanding the State Road Fund’s capabilities, implementing modern road maintenance systems, and combating energy price manipulation by companies.

The Seimas is scheduled to approve the programme on July 14. Once confirmed, Sinkevičius’s cabinet will take office. Key returning ministers include Kęstutis Budrys (Foreign Affairs), Robertas Kaunas (National Defence), Juras Taminskas (Transport), Raminta Popovienė (Education, Science and Sport), Rita Tamašunienė (Justice), and Edvinas Grikšas (Economy and Innovation).

New appointees include Taurimas Valys (Finance), Martynas Katelynas (Interior), Ieva Andriulaitytė (Environment), Lukas Alsys (Culture), and Ingrida Šimonytė, who returns as Minister of Social Security and Labour. Democratic Party nominees Linas Kukuraitis, Kęstutis Mažeika, and Lukas Savickas are set to lead the Health, Agriculture, and Energy ministries, respectively.