Lithuanian Parliament Approves New Social Democrat-Led Government

The Lithuanian parliament, the Seimas, has approved a new government headed by social democrat Mindaugas Sinkevičius. The vote saw 72 members in favor, 29 against, and four abstentions, signaling parliamentary backing for the new administration following the resignation of Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė in June.

This marks the third executive branch formed since the 2024 national elections in the Baltic nation, which shares borders with Belarus and the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad. The newly appointed ministers are expected to take their oaths later on Tuesday.

The coalition government is composed of nine ministers from the social democrats (LSDP), three from the center-left Union of Democratic Union For Lithuania (DSVL), and two from the ecologically and socially conservative Lithuanian Farmers and Greens Union (LVŽS). Notably, several key ministerial positions remain with members of the outgoing government. The former Prime Minister, Inga Ruginienė, will now serve as the Minister of Social Security and Labour, a role she previously held.

Key portfolios such as Foreign Affairs and Defense will continue to be led by Kestutis Budrys and Robertas Kaunas, respectively. Among the new social democrat appointees are Martynas Katelynas as Minister of the Interior and Taurimas Valys as Minister of Finance. Katelynas, who began his political career with the far-right National Alliance, has previously advocated for stricter border control measures, potentially including the use of 'lethal means' against migrants.

The approved government program, comprising 795 points, focuses heavily on domestic policy. However, it includes firm commitments to allocate 5% of the country's GDP to defense and 0.25% of GDP to military aid for Ukraine, reflecting the current geopolitical climate. The program explicitly states, "We are convinced that the only way to restore stable and just peace in Europe is the swiftest possible victory of Ukraine in the war initiated by Russia." Additionally, the government aims to normalize relations with China, seeking to restore diplomatic representation to levels seen in other EU member states, a shift from previous tensions over Taiwan's representation in Lithuania.

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We are convinced that the only way to restore stable and just peace in Europe is the swiftest possible victory of Ukraine in the war initiated by Russia.