Lithuanian government to resign on Tuesday amid change in prime minister

The entire Lithuanian government, led by Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė, will resign on Tuesday following the designation of a new prime ministerial candidate, Mindaugas Sinkevičius, leader of the Lithuanian Social Democratic Party (LSDP), reports ELTA.

The Cabinet will hold its final meeting on Tuesday morning, where it will adopt a resolution to step down. This will mark the last session of the 20th government.

“During Tuesday’s government meeting, a decision is planned to be made on the resignation of the 20th government. From June 24 until the formation of the 21st government and the receipt of its powers, a temporary government will ensure the daily work of the Cabinet,” Ignas Dobrovolskas, a representative of Ruginienė, told ELTA.

Ruginienė, a Social Democrat, was appointed prime minister in August last year. Her government took office in September after swearing in before the Seimas (parliament). This is the second government change during this parliamentary term. Last year, the entire Cabinet also resigned after then-Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas stepped down.

Once the resignation decision is approved, Ruginienė will submit her resignation letter to President Gitanas Nausėda. After the president signs the relevant decree, the entire government will be dismissed. The president may then appoint one of the ministers as interim prime minister until a new government is formed.

However, Sinkevičius’s candidacy for prime minister still needs to be discussed with the president. After selecting a candidate, the president will present them to the Seimas. Parliamentarians must decide on the new prime minister no later than one week after their introduction in the plenary session.

The Seimas votes openly on the prime minister’s candidacy, requiring a simple majority for approval. If parliament confirms the candidate, they must present a formed and president-approved Cabinet, along with a government program, to the Seimas within 15 days of appointment. The government receives its powers when the Seimas approves its program by a majority vote of participating members.

The changes follow a new coalition agreement. Last week, the Social Democrats formed a new ruling majority with the Democratic Union “For Lithuania” and the Lithuanian Farmers, Greens, and Christian Families Union (LVŽKŠS) faction in the Seimas. Under the new coalition deal, the Democrats “For Lithuania” will take over the ministries of Health, Agriculture, and Energy.