Lithuania's Social Democrats Appoint Gintautas Paluckas as Prime Minister

Vilija Blinkeviciute steps aside due to health reasons, suggesting Paluckas for leadership after election victory.

The Social Democrats won 52 seats in Lithuania's 141-member parliament, defeating the center-right Homeland Union party.
Gintautas Paluckas, former leader of the Social Democrats, has been designated as the next Prime Minister.
Vilija Blinkeviciute, initially expected to take the role, declined due to age and health considerations.
The Social Democrats are in coalition talks with smaller parties to form a majority government.
The party has committed to maintaining Lithuania's defense spending, which is among the highest per capita in NATO.