President Nausėda rates outgoing PM Ruginienė’s work a seven out of ten

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda has rated the work of outgoing Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė as a seven out of ten, according to a report by LNK Žinios cited by BNS.

“Definitely more than five, and perhaps even a full seven,” Nausėda said in an interview on Friday. He argued that public perception of Ruginienė’s tenure had been unfairly critical, with her mistakes overly exaggerated.

“It was certainly very difficult for her. Mistakes were made—communication errors, and perhaps some weaknesses or missteps were somewhat exaggerated to create an image of her that wasn’t entirely accurate. In my view, she truly worked hard and with sincerity,” the president stated.

Ruginienė’s 20th Cabinet concluded its work on Tuesday following a reshuffle of the ruling coalition. She currently serves as interim head of government until a new Cabinet, led by Social Democratic Party leader Mindaugas Sinkevičius, is appointed and begins its term. Ruginienė is expected to take on the role of Minister of Social Security and Labour in the new government.

Ruginienė was appointed prime minister in August last year, replacing Gintautas Paluckas, who resigned.

In separate remarks, Nausėda emphasised the need for continuity in Lithuania’s foreign policy, stating that both personnel and ideological changes should be minimised. “I myself strive for our foreign policy to be consistent, without too many radical personal or ideological shifts. The field of foreign policy is inherently conservative,” he said.

He added that Lithuania’s foreign policy should remain recognisable and principle-based, resistant to external pressures. “We have national agreements—not written on paper, but understood by all of us, both opposition and ruling coalition—about what Lithuania’s foreign policy should be. It must be consistent and not subject to change based on someone’s whims, especially not foreign demands,” Nausėda said.

Earlier this week, the president named Kęstutis Budrys as the primary candidate to continue as foreign minister. While public discussions have focused on criticisms of Budrys’ handling of relations with China and Belarus, incoming Prime Minister Sinkevičius has stated that his priority is the issue of US troops stationed in Lithuania.

Last week, Nausėda indicated that Budrys’ future in the post would depend on progress in relations with China and Taiwan. Sinkevičius has also noted that other candidates, including members of the president’s team or current deputy foreign ministers, are under consideration for the role.