Lithuania's outgoing Prime Minister Inga Ruginiené has said she will return to lead the Ministry of Social Security and Labour – the post she held before becoming premier.
Ruginiené described the move as a "natural rotation", saying she was returning to the field closest to her expertise, where she could work more directly on social policy.
She previously served as social security and labour minister in the government of Gintautas Paluckas before stepping up to the top job following his resignation. The ministry is currently headed by Jūratė Žailskienė.
Reflecting on her time in office, Ruginiené pointed to several landmark decisions: raising defence spending to 5.38% of GDP, strengthening air defences, and cracking down on cigarette smuggling carried out via balloons across the border. While acknowledging she might approach some decisions differently with hindsight, she said she had no regrets about leading the government.
The incoming cabinet will be headed by Social Democratic party leader Mindaugas Sinkevičius.
