Lithuania Sees Government Change: Prime Minister Ruginiene Resigns

Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene has resigned, ending her government's term. Ruginiene's resignation comes after a restructuring within the ruling coalition. Mindaugas Sinkevicius, the leader of the Social Democratic Party, is emerging as the new prime ministerial candidate. The government's resignation was unanimously accepted by the cabinet. This development marks the second time in the current parliamentary term that the government in Lithuania has changed before the end of its term. In her address to the ministers, Ruginiene stated, 'Despite all the challenges, there is much to be proud of, and each of you has made significant contributions to the well-being of our state and the improvement of our people's living conditions.' 'Today, we decide to resign and return the government's powers to the President,' she said. According to the coalition agreement, the President must present a prime ministerial candidate to the parliament within 15 days.