Archive · 25 Sep 2025
Ruginiene Becomes Lithuanian PM, Pledges Defense Spending
Lithuania has a new Prime Minister!
Inga Ruginiene, from the Social Democrats, was approved by the parliament.
This happened after the previous government fell apart in July.
The new government is a mix of parties.
Ruginiene will continue supporting Ukraine and plans to increase spending on defense to 5-6% of the country's income.
In parliament, the vote showed most members supported the new government.
There was also opposition, mainly due to the inclusion of the Nemunas Dawn party in the new government.
Inga Ruginiene is the new Prime Minister of Lithuania.
Parliament approved Ruginiene's government platform.
The new government is a center-right coalition.
The former government dissolved in July.
Ruginiene pledges to maintain support for Ukraine and boost defense spending.
- Who
- Inga Ruginiene
- What
- Lithuania's parliament voted in favor of the new government platform
- When
- Thursday
- Where
- Lithuania
- Why
- The previous government broke down in July over the previous prime minister's ties to a company owned by a family member.
Defense Spending Priorities
Political Party Controversy
Defense Spending
Defense Spending Priorities
Some criticize the pledge to increase defense spending, arguing that Lithuania should not divert resources from social needs like education and social security.
Political Party Controversy
Ruginiene has said she will maintain Lithuania’s support for Ukraine and pledge to spend 5-6% of gross domestic product on defense.
Nemunas Dawn Party Inclusion
Defense Spending Priorities
Critics have protested against the inclusion of the Nemunas Dawn party in the coalition due to its leader's past comments about Israel and Jews.
Political Party Controversy
Inga Ruginiene decided to retain the populist Nemunas Dawn party, whose leader Remigijus Zemaitaitis is on trial.
- New Prime Minister
- Inga Ruginiene
- Political Party
- Social Democrats
- Parliament Vote
- 80 in favor, 40 against, 2 abstained
- Defense Spending Pledge
- 5-6% of GDP
- Coalition
- Center-right
- Previous Govt Breakdown
- July