Government resigns in Lithuania

In Lithuania, Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene has resigned along with her cabinet 10 months after taking office. Describing the resignation as part of a "normal political process," Ruginiene stated that the leader of the Social Democrats, Mindaugas Sinkevicius, who is expected to succeed her, was anticipated to take over the role last year, but that "this step was merely postponed." Ruginiene did not provide further details on the matter.

President Gitanas Nauseda has accepted the government's resignation. A 15-day period has begun for Nauseda to propose a candidate for the premiership to parliament. In accordance with the constitution, the ministers will remain in office on an interim basis. Ruginiene will lead the caretaker government until a new prime minister and government are elected.

The 45-year-old Sinkevicius, who is expected to replace Ruginiene, will form his cabinet after being nominated by the president and having his candidacy approved by parliament. The cabinet will then undergo a voting process in parliament.

In mid-June, the Social Democrats ended their cooperation with their coalition partner, the Dawn of Nemunas Party. The Social Democrats had included the Democratic Union for Lithuania in the government in place of the Dawn of Nemunas Party. Following the formation of the new government, Ruginiene is expected to return to her former position as Minister of Social Affairs as part of a planned series of ministerial changes.