Lithuania’s Prime Minister Resigns After Ten Months, Opening Way for New Centre-Left Government

On 23 June 2026 Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene and her cabinet submitted their resignation to President Gitanas Nauseda, who accepted it. Under constitution, the outgoing government remains caretaker while the president nominates a successor for Seimas approval.

The government has resigned in Lithuania

Ruginiene became prime minister in August 2025 after Gintautas Paluckas resigned over EU-fund allegations. Her term faced balloon-smuggling, drone incursions, a 5.38 %-GDP defence budget and ministerial dismissals. In June 2026 the Social Democrats broke with Dawn of Nemunas, forming a majority with the Democratic Union “For Lithuania” and the Farmers, Greens and Christian Families Union. The shift occurs as Lithuania, bordering Belarus and Russia’s Kaliningrad, remains a NATO and EU member supporting Ukraine, making stability crucial for regional security.

Lithuania’s Government Resigns

Inga Ruginiene (Social Democrats) will return to the Social Security and Labour ministry. President Gitanas Nauseda will nominate Social Democratic leader Mindaugas Sinkevicius as prime minister. The coalition of Social Democrats, Democratic Union “For Lithuania” and the Farmers-Greens bloc holds 75 of 141 Seimas seats, allocating nine ministries to the Social Democrats, three to the Democrats, and keeping economy and justice for the Farmers-Greens.

In Lithuania — a change of government and prime minister. What happened with our neighbors?

Aug 2025 – Ruginiene becomes PM. Jun 2026 – Social Democrats end pact with Dawn of Nemunas. 23 Jun 2026 – Resignation submitted and accepted. Within 15 days of nomination – Seimas approves Mindaugas Sinkevicius; new cabinet presented within another 15 days.

The government has resigned in Lithuania

President Nauseda accepted the resignation and invoked the constitutional deadline for a successor. Ruginiene called the move a “normal political process” and cited government’s achievements. Sinkevicius said cabinet changes would not be “major.”

The government has resigned in Lithuania

Opposition and watchdogs criticised balloon-smuggling, drone incursions, the 5.38 %-GDP defence spend, the dismissal of culture and defence ministers, alleged misuse of funds for family trips abroad, and the opaque handling of a data-leak from the Centre of Registers.

Euronews

All sources agree the coalition holds 75 seats but differ on the exact ministry split. No party has named prospective ministers, leaving a gap in public knowledge.

President of Lithuania accepts resignation of Ruginene's government

• “Nothing in politics is permanent, and we as politicians must understand that our positions and offices are not eternal,” — Inga Ruginiene, Prime Minister

Euronews

• “We are given a certain period of time to do good work, and I believe that this government has made proper use of that time.” — Inga Ruginiene, Prime Minister

Euronews

• “Despite all the difficulties, we have much to be proud of, and each of you has made a significant contribution to the well-being of our state and the improvement of people's lives.” — Inga Ruginiene, Prime Minister

In Lithuania — a change of government and prime minister. What happened with our neighbors?

President Nauseda will submit Mindaugas Sinkevicius’s nomination to the Seimas. After approval, he has 15 days to propose a cabinet and programme. Ruginiene will resume the Social Security and Labour ministry, and the coalition’s handling of defence, social protection and China policy will affect Lithuania’s stability.

President of Lithuania accepts resignation of Ruginene's government