New Lithuanian Government Sworn In, Aims to Boost Security and Birth Rate

Lithuania's 21st government, headed by Social Democratic Party leader Mindaugas Sinkevičius, officially took office on Tuesday after its members were sworn in at the Seimas. The cabinet's program received parliamentary approval earlier in the day, granting them the authority to govern.

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I declare that the new government of the Republic of Lithuania has been sworn in and has received its mandate to act. We wish you success. We also thank the ministers of the twentieth government for their work.

"I declare that the new government of the Republic of Lithuania has been sworn in and has received its mandate to act. We wish you success. We also thank the ministers of the twentieth government for their work," announced Deputy Speaker of the Seimas Orinta Leiputė after the ceremony. Prime Minister Sinkevičius was the first to take the oath.

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If we feel more secure in terms of security and are not afraid of a drone or a balloon, or are able to neutralize them instead of looking for them later where they fell, I will be satisfied.

Key figures in the new cabinet include Ieva Andriulaitytė as Environment Minister, Kęstutis Budrys continuing as Foreign Affairs Minister, and Edvinas Grikšas remaining as Minister of Economy and Innovation. Martynas Katelynas will serve as Interior Minister, Robertas Kaunas as National Defense Minister, and Linas Kukuraitis as Health Minister. Kęstutis Mažeika will lead the Ministry of Agriculture, while Raminta Popovienė continues as Minister of Education, Science, and Sport. Former Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė takes on the role of Minister of Social Security and Labour. Lukas Savickas is the new Energy Minister, Rita Tamašunienė remains Justice Minister, and Juras Taminskas continues as Transport Minister. Taurimas Valys will be the new Finance Minister.

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And another thing – if we manage to bend the birth rate curve upwards, or at least level it out and have an increase in newborns, I will be happy.

Prime Minister Sinkevičius outlined his administration's primary objectives, expressing a desire for a less divided and more secure society with a higher birth rate. "If we feel more secure in terms of security and are not afraid of a drone or a balloon, or are able to neutralize them instead of looking for them later where they fell, I will be satisfied," he told reporters. "And another thing – if we manage to bend the birth rate curve upwards, or at least level it out and have an increase in newborns, I will be happy." Sinkevičius also pledged to foster a more collaborative political culture, emphasizing dialogue and consultation over confrontation and arrogance, though he acknowledged this approach might be perceived as naive.

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I will try to listen, not to ignore, I will try to make contact, not to avoid it. I think that something depends on me too, whether that political culture will change. Maybe I am naive. We will see after a certain time.