Lithuania's parliament today confirmed the appointment of Inge Ruganien as the country's new prime minister, after the former prime minister resigned in July following an investigation into potential fraud.
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"My biggest dream is to stand before you again at the end of my term and say that together we have managed to accomplish a very important task," said Ruginien, a member of the Lithuanian Social Democratic Party (LSDP), who was the Minister of Social Insurance before taking up her new position.
Ruganien is to submit the new government's program to parliament within 15 days, which will be put to a vote.
She pledged to continue supporting Ukraine in its war with Russia, as well as investing in defense.
Her predecessor, Gintautas Paluckas, resigned in July following an investigation into possible financial misconduct linked to his companies.
Several thousand people gathered today to protest against the new government, and organizers said in a statement that it would consist of politicians who oppose the imposition of sanctions on Russia and Belarus, as well as, as they stated, "anti-vaccination ideologues."
The new government is supported by a coalition that includes the LSDP, the populist "Dawn" party of Nemunas, as well as a group consisting of the Agrarian Alliance and the Greens, the Electoral Action of Poles in Lithuania - Alliance of Christian Families, and other independent MPs.
The leader of the Dawn on Neman party, Remigijus Žemaitaitis, resigned as an MP in 2023 after criticism for alleged anti-Semitic comments, only to return to parliament after the 2024 elections.
One of the independent MPs supporting the coalition, Ignas Vegele, has gained notoriety for campaigning against restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic and fighting what he claims is "LGBT propaganda."
MEP Waldemar Tomaszewski, leader of the Electoral Action of Poles in Lithuania - Alliance of Christian Families party, has previously been criticized for alleged support for Russia, which he denied.
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda has expressed his support for the new government, but also stated that the inclusion of the populist Dawn party was a mistake that, he claims, was difficult to avoid.
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