Three parties in Lithuania have agreed on a coalition programme and the number of ministerial posts in a new incoming government, LRT and ELTA reported. The Social Democratic Party of Lithuania (LSDP) will have nine ministers, while the Union of Democrats for Lithuania (DSVL) will have three and the Lithuanian Union of Farmers and Greens (LVZS) two. LSDP chairman Mindaugas Sinkevicius will assume the post of prime minister, replacing the current office holder, LSDP’s Inga Ruginiene, ELTA reports, citing Lietuvos Rytas. The distribution and office holders of other ministerial posts will be announced later. LSDP will also retain the post of speaker of the Lithuanian parliament, the Seimas. Meanwhile, President Gitanas Nauseda defended his former adviser, Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys, against calls for the latter’s removal, BNS reported.
The new ruling coalition has adopted a “centre-left, socially oriented, financially sustainable, and investment-friendly” programme. The coalition’s priorities include “quality public services, dignified employment, secure retirement, strong families, and viable regions.” The parties plan to reform the child benefit system, expand the availability of childcare, accelerate pension indexation, and increase the state contribution to the compulsory health insurance fund. The new government will expand renewable energy capacity and build more storage and grid infrastructure. Also, the three parties have pledged to maintain defence spending at no less than 5% of GDP. The coalition agreement reaffirms strong support for Ukraine, NATO, and the transatlantic partnership. Also, the new government will seek to normalise diplomatic relations with communist China.