Social affairs ministry retains three deputy ministers as Vinokuras joins team

The Social Security and Labour Ministry (SADM) will continue its work with three deputy ministers from the previous government, while Tadas Vinokuras joins as a new deputy, the ministry announced.

Aušra Putk, Rita Grigalienė, and Deimantė Bukeikaitė will remain in their roles under Minister Inga Ruginienė. Vinokuras, newly appointed as deputy minister, will oversee social insurance, pensions, cash benefits, and housing support.

Vinokuras previously served as an advisor to the prime minister in Gintautas Paluckas’ team and as a press representative for the Lithuanian Social Democratic Party (LSDP).

Elžbieta Žurovskaitė-Puodžiūnienė has been named ministry chancellor, having previously led the prime minister’s office. Ignas Algirdas Dobrovolskas, formerly a government advisor, will serve as the minister’s press representative. Jekaterina Navickė, another former prime ministerial advisor, will advise on social support, social insurance, and pensions.

Ruginienė previously held the ministerial post in Paluckas’ government. After the social democrat became prime minister, Jūratė Zailskienė was appointed to replace her at SADM.

The new government, formed by LSDP leader Mindaugas Sinkevičius, held its first cabinet meeting on Wednesday. The previous government, led by Ruginienė, resigned after the ruling coalition was reshuffled and Sinkevičius announced his decision to lead a new cabinet. The new government officially assumed office on Tuesday after the Seimas approved its programme and the prime minister and ministers took their oaths.

Reporting by ELTA.