A reshuffle in Vilnius stunned observers, as the ultranationalist party was ousted and a broader majority now promises stability and investment.
In Lithuania, three political forces have signed a new coalition agreement after excluding the ultra-right and anti-Ukrainian party ‘Zorya Nimanu’ from the previous coalition.
The agreement envisages forming an expanded coalition with 75 seats in the 141-seat Seimas.
It is expected that the government will be led by Mindaugas Sinkevičius, who will replace Inga Ruginienė as prime minister less than a year after taking office.
According to the agreement, the Democratic Union ‘For Lithuania’ will take control of the ministries of energy, health, and agriculture, while the Farmers and Greens Union will keep the portfolios of economy, innovation, and justice. The remaining posts will stay with the Social Democrats (LSDP).
The coalition members pledged to pursue a socially oriented, financially stable, and investment-oriented policy, avoid public internal conflicts and ensure government stability. It is also provided that, if needed, the Prosecutor General’s Office will be able to demand the removal of immunity from a deputy via a simplified procedure, if the coalition supports such an initiative.
Key Priorities and Next Steps
The new coalition announced its intent to strengthen the country’s defensive resilience, develop joint defense capabilities, civil protection, and cyber resilience, as well as to responsibly manage defense resources.
The participants also agreed to support the defense funding base and work toward long-term stability, since the parliamentary majority must ensure the government functions for its full term.
The governing bodies of the three political forces this week approved the updated coalition agreement. For now, the names of the ministerial posts have not been disclosed.
The leader of LSDP Mindaugas Sinkevičius stated that he would form a new government and the position of prime minister for the country.