New Lithuanian PM: Social Democrats' third attempt. Problems with Belarus and Trump expected.

Mindaugas Sinkevičius is poised to become Lithuania's new prime minister, having received approval from President Gitanas Nausėda. Sinkevičius, who previously served as the economy minister and currently holds the position of mayor of the Jonava region, will lead the Social Democratic Party's third government since the last parliamentary elections, which took place less than two years ago.

Robert Duchniewicz, the first deputy chairman of the Social Democratic Party and mayor of the Vilnius region, stated that the change is a natural process following the election of a new party chairman in early May. While Duchniewicz was a contender for the prime minister role nearly a year ago, he chose to remain mayor, citing ongoing responsibilities. He indicated that he is still young at 34 and might pursue the prime minister position in the future.

Despite praise from party colleagues, Sinkevičius is described as a controversial figure in Vilnius, associated with scandals in the Jonava region, including alleged violations of official ethics by purchasing personal items with public funds. Although a political ban on holding office expired and he was acquitted by a court, Sinkevičius reportedly hesitated to accept the position, possibly fearing renewed scrutiny from the opposition and media.

The previous prime minister, Inga Ruginienė, faced criticism for her handling of issues such as smuggling balloons from Belarus and alleged involvement of Lithuanian police and border guards in cigarette smuggling. Political scientist Šarūnas Liekis from Vytautas Magnus University noted that Ruginienė, like the new prime minister, was a neoliberal, suggesting that the public might desire an anti-establishment leader, though such figures are rare within the political establishment.

The formation of the new government was influenced by developments in other parties, notably the departure of the far-right "Dawn of Nemunas" party from the ruling coalition. This party's leader, Remigijus Žemaitaitis, had previously been stripped of his parliamentary seat for antisemitic remarks. Concerns were raised that Germany might reconsider its military brigade's presence in Lithuania if "Dawn of Nemunas" joined the government, a presence crucial for deterring Russia. The party's exit from the coalition has been welcomed by many Social Democrats.