Lithuania to get new prime minister: Sinkevičius to replace Ruginienė

Mindaugas Sinkevičius, leader of Lithuania's Social Democratic Party, has announced he is ready to take over the prime minister's office from current government head Inga Ruginienė. The coalition will be reorganized, with the right-wing Nemunai Krikstai exiting and being replaced by the Democratic Union "Lithuania is Our Home" and the Farmers and Greens Union.

Mindaugas Sinkevičius, leader of Lithuania's Social Democratic Party, has announced his intention to assume the office of prime minister, replacing his party colleague Inga Ruginienė. Sinkevičius announced his decision on social media, stating: "I confirm my readiness to take responsibility for forming a new government and to assume the office of prime minister."

New coalition without Nemunai Krikstai

The change in prime minister will be accompanied by a coalition reorganization. The right-wing Nemunai Krikstai, which participated in the previous government, is being removed from the new coalition. The new government will be formed by the Social Democrats, the Democratic Union "Lithuania is Our Home," and the Farmers and Greens Union, which together would hold 75 seats in the 141-seat Seimas. The coalition agreement is scheduled to be signed later this week.

Sinkevičius noted that he could take office following a meeting of the Social Democratic Party's council, where a decision will be made to end cooperation with Nemunai Krikstai. The new cabinet is expected to involve at least four ministerial changes: the energy, health, and agriculture portfolios will go to the Democratic Union "Lithuania is Our Home," while the Social Democrats will take over the environment portfolio.

Third prime minister since 2024 elections

Sinkevičius will become the third prime minister since the 2024 Seimas elections. First, Gintautas Paluckas assumed office as government head, followed by Ruginienė after Paluckas resigned in late autumn last year. Ruginienė had previously served as labour and social affairs minister in Paluckas's cabinet.

Sinkevičius was elected permanent chairman of the Lithuanian Social Democratic Party in May 2026. Discussions about possible changes in government leadership have been ongoing for several weeks, following signals from Sinkevičius that he was prepared to lead reforms following a coalition reorganization.