Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruganiene and her cabinet have resigned following internal disagreements within the ruling coalition. The government’s collapse occurred after the Social Democrats, a center-left party, terminated their agreement with the populist Nemuno Ausra party. This breakdown followed scrutiny regarding one of the Nemuno Ausra party’s former leaders, who is currently facing charges of anti-Semitism.
Former Member of Parliament Remigijus Zemaitaitis was previously fined 5,000 euros last year. This penalty resulted from his social media posts and statements made during May and June 2023, where he was found to have incited hatred against Jews and minimized the atrocities of Nazi Germany and the Holocaust in an offensive manner. Media reports indicate the case is presently before the appeals court, with prosecutors pursuing a more severe sentence, while Zemaitaitis maintains his innocence.
The resignation has been formally submitted to President Gitanas Nauseda. The President is anticipated to request the outgoing administration to remain in place as an acting government until a new cabinet can be established. Under the terms of a new coalition agreement signed last week, Mindaugas Sinkevicius, the leader of the Social Democratic Party, is expected to be nominated as the prime minister-designate.
While at least four ministerial positions are anticipated to change, the government’s core objectives are expected to remain consistent. If approved by parliament, the candidate for prime minister will have 14 days to present the new government and its program for parliamentary approval.
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