Lithuania’s parliament has appointed centre-left MP and former trade unionist Inga Ruginienė as the country’s new Prime Minister. Led by Ruginienė’s Social Democratic Party of Lithuania (LSDP), the new cabinet is also supported by the green-conservative Lithuanian Farmers and Greens Union (LVŽS) and the nationalist Dawn of Nemunas (PPNA).

The formation of the new government, which follows the resignation of Prime Minister and (now former) LSDP leader Gintatuas Paluckas amidst allegations of corruption, also marks the departure of the centre-left For Lithuania party from the ruling coalition. For Lithuania had demanded the PPNA’s expulsion from the three-party ruling bloc in the wake of Paluckas’ resignation, but the LSDP instead formed a coalition with both the opposition Farmers and Greens Union and the PPNA. Combined, the three blocs control 82 of the 141 seats in parliament.

Under the new coalition deal, the centre-left LSDP will continue to control the largest number of ministries, including those responsible for culture, defence, education, foreign affairs, health, internal affairs, social security, science and sports and transport. The PPNA will be in charge of agriculture, energy and the environment, while the newly joined Farmers and Greens Union will head the economy and justice ministries. The new PM now has two weeks to present a new cabinet.

The new government is expected to maintain Lithuania’s strong pro-Western orientation, high defence spending and support for war-torn Ukraine. At the same time, the opposition fears that PPNA’s continued inclusion in the coalition may damage the country’s pro-Ukrainian stance. Domestically, the priorities of the new cabinet will include supporting domestic businesses, improving family policy, increasing funding for education and childcare, expanding access to the country’s education system, as well as investing in sustainable energy and road infrastructure.