Social affairs minister declines to comment on potential replacement by Ruginienė

Social Security and Labour Minister Jūratė Zailskienė has declined to comment on reports that she could be replaced by current Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė, stating that the incoming premier should address such questions, 15min reports.

Zailskienė told journalists before a Cabinet meeting that she remains focused on her current duties. “I am doing my job, as there are many planned tasks… I think about work, and I believe the future prime minister will comment on any changes,” she said.

She added that if she were to leave her ministerial post, she would continue working in the Seimas (parliament). “I will definitely be a member of the Seimas,” Zailskienė said.

According to 15min, citing unnamed sources, Ruginienė intends to return to lead the Social Security and Labour Ministry once Social Democratic Party leader Mindaugas Sinkevičius takes over as prime minister. Zailskienė has reportedly been offered alternative roles, including deputy speaker of the Seimas, though she has not confirmed receiving such proposals.

Sinkevičius announced on Tuesday via Facebook his decision to assume responsibility and lead the government. Ruginienė became prime minister in August last year, with her government sworn in the following September. Sinkevičius has stated that Ruginienė will be assigned new responsibilities, though details remain unconfirmed.

Ruginienė previously served as Social Security and Labour Minister in the government of former Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas.