Inga Ruginiene: Lithuania's Social Democrats Nominate New Prime Minister Candidate

Inga Ruginiene, Lithuania's Social Affairs Minister and former trade union leader, has been nominated by the ruling Social Democrats as their candidate for prime minister. She will replace Gintautas Paluckas, who resigned recently. Ruginiene must gain parliamentary approval and support for her cabinet programme to assume office.

In a significant political development, Lithuania's ruling Social Democrats have nominated Social Affairs Minister Inga Ruginiene as their candidate for the prime ministerial role. This move positions her as a likely successor to Gintautas Paluckas, who exited the role on Monday.

Ruginiene, aged 44, is not only a minister but also a former trade union leader, bringing considerable experience to the position. Her candidacy must withstand a confidence vote in Lithuania's parliament, which will also need to approve her cabinet programme before she can officially take office.

The Social Democrat party currently holds 52 out of 141 seats in Parliament and is part of a coalition government with the centre-left For Lithuania and the populist Nemunas Dawn, adding a complex layer to the political dynamics.

(With inputs from agencies.)