Lithuanian PM Resigns, Triggering Formation Of New Government

VILNIUS, June 23 (Bernama-Xinhua) -- Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene announced the resignation of her government on Tuesday, triggering the formation of a new administration following changes within the ruling coalition, reported Xinhua.

Following the resignation, President Gitanas Nauseda has 15 days to nominate a candidate for prime minister, who must then secure the approval of the Seimas, Lithuania's parliament.  

Chairman of the ruling Lithuanian Social Democratic Party Mindaugas Sinkevicius is widely expected to receive the nomination. If confirmed by parliament, he will have 15 days to form a Cabinet and present the new government's policy programme. He will then have an additional 15 days to submit the full Cabinet lineup for approval.

The new coalition will be the third governing alliance formed by the Social Democrats since the parliamentary elections in late 2024. The outgoing government took office last August after the resignation of former Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas.

Meanwhile, President Gitanas Nauseda formally accepted the government's resignation and asked the Cabinet to continue serving in a caretaker capacity until a new government is formed.

The outgoing Cabinet held its final meeting earlier Tuesday, unanimously approving a resolution to resign, and Ruginiene said at the meeting that the government had much to be proud of despite facing numerous challenges.

-- BERNAMA-XINHUA