Government Collapse Over Coalition Dispute
Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė and her entire cabinet stepped down on Tuesday following the dissolution of the ruling coalition, marking the third change of government in the Baltic nation in two years. The resignation came after the center-left Social Democrats ended their coalition agreement with the populist Nemuno Aušra party earlier this month, amid allegations of antisemitic rhetoric against one of its former leaders.
Antisemitic Remarks Trigger Political Crisis
The coalition fell apart after Remigijus Žemaitaitis, a former lawmaker from Nemuno Aušra, was fined 5,000 euros (approximately $5,800) last year by a Lithuanian court for inciting hatred against Jews. The court found that he had grossly downplayed Nazi Germany's crimes and minimized the Holocaust in social media posts and public statements from May and June 2023. The case is currently under appeal, with prosecutors seeking a stricter sentence. Žemaitaitis has pleaded not guilty.
Caretaker Government Until New Cabinet Formed
Ruginienė's resignation decree will be submitted to President Gitanas Nausėda, who is expected to ask the outgoing administration to continue serving in a caretaker capacity until a new government is formed. According to the constitution, the president has 15 days to propose a prime minister candidate to parliament. Under the coalition agreement signed last week by the new ruling majority, Social Democratic Party leader Mindaugas Sinkevičius is expected to be nominated for the post.
New Coalition Seeks Pragmatic China Relations
The new coalition document signals a willingness to pursue more stable relations with Beijing. The partners say they support restoring diplomatic dialogue and expanding economic cooperation where it serves Lithuania's interests, while maintaining commitments to the European Union, NATO, and the strategic partnership with Taiwan. The Social Democrats have struck a deal with two other center-left parties, forming a coalition that controls 75 seats in the 141-member parliament, the Seimas.
At least four ministerial posts will change hands under the agreement, but major strategies are expected to remain the same. If approved by the Seimas, the prime minister-designate will have up to two weeks to present a new government and its program, coordinated with the president, for parliamentary approval.
Ruginienė, a Social Democrat and former labor union leader, told ministers on Tuesday: “Despite all the difficulties, we have much to be proud of, and each of you has made a significant contribution to the welfare of our state and the improving lives of its people.”
