Inga Ruginienė confirmed as Lithuania’s new Prime Minister amid protests and coalition challenges

TDT | Manama

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Lithuania’s parliament has approved Inga Ruginienė as the country’s new prime minister, following the resignation of the previous government in July after a corruption scandal.

Ruginienė, 44, who previously served as social security minister, said her top priorities will be strengthening support for Ukraine, boosting national defence, and reducing social inequalities. A former trade union leader, she represents the Lithuanian Social Democratic Party (LSDP), the largest party in the ruling coalition.

Despite her confirmation, the road ahead may not be easy. Thousands of protesters gathered outside parliament on Tuesday, accusing the new coalition of including figures who oppose sanctions on Russia and Belarus, as well as politicians linked to anti-vaccine campaigns.

“I dream that at the end of my mandate, I can stand before you again and say we achieved important work,” Ruginienė told lawmakers. She now has 15 days to present her cabinet and government programme for approval.

Her appointment comes after former prime minister Gintautas Paluckas resigned on August 1, following an investigation into business ties involving companies connected to him.

The new coalition, led by the Social Democrats, includes the populist Nemunas Dawn party, the Lithuanian Farmers and Greens Union, the Electoral Action of Poles in Lithuania–Christian Families, and several independents. But not all parties agreed to join — the centre-left Democrats “For Lithuania” withdrew, saying they could not work with Nemunas Dawn.

Nemunas Dawn’s leader, Remigijus Žemaitaitis, has previously faced criticism over alleged antisemitic remarks, while other coalition members have drawn controversy. Independent MP Ignas Vėgėlė, known for opposing Covid-19 restrictions, gained attention during last year’s presidential race where he campaigned against what he called “LGBTQ propaganda.”

President Gitanas Nausėda expressed support for the new government but admitted that including Nemunas Dawn in the coalition was “a mistake that was difficult to avoid.”

The coming weeks will determine whether Ruginienė can unite her diverse coalition and win over sceptical Lithuanians.