VILNIUS — Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė announced her resignation on Tuesday, triggering the constitutionally mandated departure of the entire cabinet, following changes within the ruling coalition.
The resignation came after the center-left Social Democrats ended their coalition agreement earlier this month with the populist Nemuno Aušra party, which has been embroiled in scandal. The party’s former leader, Remigijus Žemaitaitis, was fined last year by a Lithuanian court for inciting hatred against Jews and grossly minimizing the Holocaust, a case now under appeal. The Social Democrats subsequently invited the Democrats “For Lithuania” to join the governing alliance, securing a majority of 75 seats in the 141-member parliament.
Constitutional Process
Under Lithuanian law, the prime minister’s resignation triggers the collective departure of the entire cabinet. The outgoing Cabinet held its final meeting on Tuesday, unanimously approving a resolution to resign.
“I want to thank all members of the 20th Government and the team for our joint work,” Ruginienė said at the Cabinet’s final meeting. “Despite all the difficulties, we have much to be proud of, and each of you has made a significant contribution to the welfare of our state and the improving lives of its people.”
Ruginienė’s resignation decree will be submitted to President Gitanas Nausėda, who is expected to ask the outgoing administration to continue serving in a caretaker capacity until a new government is formed. The president has 15 days to nominate a candidate for prime minister, who must then be approved by the parliament (Seimas). If confirmed, the prime minister-designate will have 15 days to form a cabinet and present the new government’s policy program.
Succession
Social Democratic Party leader Mindaugas Sinkevičius is widely expected to receive the presidential nomination for prime minister. Sinkevičius stated on June 16 via social media that he was ready to become prime minister. If confirmed, he would succeed Ruginienė, whose government has been in office for less than a year.
The outgoing government took office in August 2025 after the resignation of former Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas.
Diplomatic Context
The leadership transition comes as Lithuania navigates ongoing discussions regarding its diplomatic approach toward China. The new coalition agreement signals a willingness to seek more stable relations with Beijing after years of strained ties. The coalition partners say they support restoring diplomatic dialogue and expanding economic cooperation where it serves Lithuania’s interests, while maintaining the country’s commitments to the European Union, NATO and its strategic partnership with Taiwan.
