Mindaugas Sinkevičius, the leader of the Lithuanian Social Democrats, has announced that he will replace the current Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė, but she will still have an important role in the team, writes Politico.
Sinkevičius wrote in a post on the Facebook that he confirms his readiness to take responsibility for forming a new government and is ready to become prime minister.
Significant changes are currently taking place in the coalition in Lithuania. In early June, the Social Democrats, the country’s ruling party, decided to exclude the populist party Nemunas Dawn from the coalition. Its leader Remigijus Žemaitaitis was found guilty of inciting anti-Semitic hatred last December.
The Social Democrats want to form a new coalition with the Lithuanian Farmers and Greens Union and the democratic party For Lithuania.
All three political groups are expected to sign the agreement and announce the composition of the new government on the 18th of June. Sinkevičius, speaking to reporters on the 16th of June, emphasized that Ruginienė will still play an important role in the team.
The new coalition is being formed at a time when the security situation in Lithuanian airspace is causing significant concern after multiple drone sightings. After an errant drone flying over Vilnius in May, aimed at Russia, was closed and residents were warned to seek shelter. Sinkevičius emphasized on the 16th of June that defense needs to be strengthened and the country’s foreign policy must be active, consistent, and results-oriented.
Read also: Coalition collapses in Lithuania; two weeks to reach agreement