New Leadership on the Horizon in Lithuania Following Government Collapse
If confirmed, Ruginienė will spearhead the formation of a new cabinet after the collapse of Paluckas’ government, which lasted merely eight months, reports 24brussels.
According to Lithuanian law, after being nominated by the president and passing parliamentary approval, the prime minister-designate is required to present an approved cabinet and submit the government’s program to the Seimas within 15 days. The government receives a governing mandate if a majority of present MPs support its program.
Prior to the LSDP’s decision, Ruginienė was considered alongside Deputy Speaker Juozas Olekas and Transport Minister Eugenijus Sabutis, who ultimately withdrew from contention.
Paluckas announced his resignation on July 31 amid allegations of unethical financial dealings involving loans and EU funds related to himself and his relatives. In his resignation statement, Paluckas refuted any misconduct during his tenure. His resignation triggered the automatic fall of the government.
President Nausėda remarked on the day of Paluckas’ resignation that any potential nominee must undergo thorough vetting to prevent “another situation like this.”
Ruginienė noted that while she preferred not to draw comparisons with her predecessor, she acknowledged, “as a prime minister, he was great.”
She assured reporters, “I can only promise one thing, that I will continue to uphold social democratic values,” while hinting at having ideas for the cabinet lineup but withholding specific details.
“Don’t be afraid, I definitely have a vision, but it’s still too early to ask,” she added.
