Social Democrats' coalition shift: Ruginienė to step down, leadership questions linger

A new governing coalition has been formed in Lithuania following the Social Democrats' decision to remove "Nemuno aušra" from the ruling majority. The Social Democrats, the "Vardan Lietuvos" Democrats, and the Lithuanian Farmers and Greens Union signed a coalition agreement on Thursday, establishing a new political alliance.

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I want to return to where my heart has always been. I see this as a natural rotation and a very important stage of my life. When I was needed during difficult times, I did not shy away from taking responsibility.

Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė is expected to resign her position next week, with the formation of a new cabinet anticipated in July. Ruginienė confirmed in a published interview that she intends to return to her former position as head of the Ministry of Social Security and Labor (SADM) after stepping down as prime minister. She described this move as a "natural rotation" and a significant life stage, stating she did not shy away from responsibility during challenging times.

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The decision to refuse the services of 'Nemuno aušra,' if one can put it that way, is good, but very late. And since the autumn of 2024, when the Social Democrats, the Social Democrats of Vilija Blinkevičiūtė at the time, broke their election promise not to work with 'Nemuno aušra,' it seemed that the moment would eventually come when they would realize that it wasn't working. That moment has come, but I wouldn't call it a voluntary decision. I would call it a decision born out of the realization that it was dragging them down. I don't think this is about principledness, but about political calculation and assessment of the political situation.

Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen, a political figure, commented on the Social Democrats' decision to part ways with "Nemuno aušra," calling it a "good, but very late" move. She suggested that the decision was not driven by principle but by a political calculation to prevent the party from being dragged down. Čmilytė-Nielsen also found the process of forming the new coalition unusual, particularly the prolonged uncertainty surrounding the prime ministerial candidate. She noted that typically, the leader of the coalition and the prime minister are key decisions made early in the formation process.

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Usually, when a coalition is being formed, one of the main questions answered first is who will lead, who will be the prime minister, who is the minister. It is a politically incomprehensible situation when political forces are negotiating, and the main position, which is essentially the face of the coalition, the leader, is shrouded in mist. Because this is what we are hearing now, that it has not yet been decided.

Meanwhile, Mindaugas Sinkevičius had previously announced his readiness to take on the role of prime minister. However, he later clarified that he was only confirming his willingness to serve, not that the decision had been finalized. The Lithuanian president must nominate a prime minister, and the Seimas (parliament) must approve the candidate. Sinkevičius's fluctuating statements have drawn criticism, with some observers suggesting it further highlights a perceived lack of leadership within the Social Democrats.

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I want to inform you that I confirm my determination to take responsibility for the formation of a new government and to serve as prime minister.