Overview

• Lawmakers backed Ruginienė 78–35 after Gintautas Paluckas resigned following investigations into his business and financial dealings.
• The former labor union leader and recent social affairs minister enters the post as a relative political newcomer.
• She must still be formally appointed by President Gitanas Nausėda and sworn in at the Seimas, steps treated as procedural.
• Ruginienė faces a 15‑day deadline to submit a government program expected to prioritize security, economic growth and social welfare.
• The Social Democrats have a fresh coalition with two partners totaling 82 of 141 seats, while opposition leaders question her experience.