Inga Ruginienė, the Lithuanian Social Democratic Party’s nominee for prime minister, introduced herself to the Lithuanian parliament (Seimas) on Thursday, pledging to unite the political community and society amid growing geopolitical threats.
The Social Democrat said that it is vital not only to ensure the smooth functioning of state institutions but also to bolster social solidarity and promote mutual trust among citizens.
“I am here to restore stability. I am here to bring together the political community and the whole of society to tackle the most important challenges together. I am here to ensure the government fulfils the mandate entrusted to it by the voters, so that we can begin discussing and reaching agreements,” she told lawmakers.
Ruginienė stressed that continued investment in defence, strengthening public services, tackling poverty and inequality, and supporting young families and the elderly would underpin both social and external security.
Her proposed Cabinet, she said, would focus on national security, economic growth, and social welfare.
Ruginienė pointed to the recent incursion of two drones into Lithuanian territory as evidence of the need to guarantee airspace security, use defence funding more effectively, and continue supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression.
On economic matters, she highlighted the adoption of a balanced budget during the Seimas’ autumn session as a key priority, noting that the state’s fiscal capacity has increased significantly, providing scope for manoeuvre in next year’s budget.
The Social Democrat also pledged to prioritise socially vulnerable groups, local municipalities, families, and workers.
“Our task is clear: we must continue the work we have begun to protect our country from external and internal threats, strengthen Lithuania’s economy, improve the investment climate, and create a socially secure Lithuania for all, especially the most vulnerable members of society, families, and communities,” she said.
On Thursday, the politician faced questions from lawmakers in the Seimas and is scheduled to meet separately with the Homeland Union–Lithuanian Christian Democrats and Liberal Movement opposition parliamentary groups.
The Seimas is set to vote on Ruginienė’s appointment next Tuesday. The vote will be open, and a simple majority will be sufficient for her confirmation.
If approved, Ruginienė will have up to 15 days to present a new Cabinet and a government programme, pre-agreed with the president, to the Seimas for approval.
Ruginienė became a member of the Seimas last autumn and was subsequently appointed social security and labour minister in the Paluckas government. Prior to her political career, she chaired the Confederation of Lithuanian Trade Unions.
She competed with Transport Minister Eugenijus Sabutis to become the Social Democrats’ nominee for prime minister, but he withdrew after it emerged he was under investigation in the so-called “receipt case”, relating to his time as a councillor in central Jonava District.
Updated: included her plans to speak with opposition parties.
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