Lithuania’s parliament will vote on Tuesday on appointing Mindaugas Sinkecičius, leader of the Lithuanian Social Democratic Party and mayor of the Jonava district, as head of the 21st government.
Sinkecičius, 42, will lead the government after Inga Ruginienė stepped down as prime minister following a change in the ruling coalition.The Social Democrat leader said his cabinet’s priorities would include ensuring national and social security, improving the demographic situation, and fostering economic development.
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If the Seimas approves the new prime minister’s candidacy, he will have 15 days to present a new cabinet, coordinated with the president, and a government programme to parliament. The programme must also be approved by a vote.Sinkevičius previously said he would appoint up to seven new ministers. Upon becoming prime minister, he will have to resign as mayor of the Jonava district.In 2024, the Court of Appeal found Sinkevičius guilty during the expenses scandal and banned him from holding public office.However, the Supreme Court of Lithuania later dismissed the criminal case, ruling that his actions did not warrant criminal liability. Following this decision, the politician returned to lead the Jonava district municipality.The new coalition was formed after the Lithuanian Social Democratic Party ended its cooperation with Nemunas Dawn.The government will now consist of the Social Democrats, Democrats “For Lithuania”, and the Lithuanian Farmers, Greens and Christian Families Union. The coalition holds 75 votes in the 141-seat Seimas.
