On August 6, the Social Democrats finally decided who would replace former Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas, who resigned. It was announced that Inga Rūginienė would be nominated for the position of prime minister, Agnė Liubertaitė states in lrytas.
The party made its decision after a meeting of the praesidium on Wednesday afternoon.
Although it initially seemed that there would be three candidates, it became clear during the meeting that Juozas Olekas was withdrawing from the race for the prime minister’s seat.
“Today decides that the Minister of Social Security and Labour, our party member, whom you all know well, Inga Ruginienė, will be nominated as the Social Democrats’ candidate for the post of prime minister,” announced interim LSDP leader Mindaugas Sinkevičius in the evening after the party’s praesidium meeting.
According to him, there was considerable discussion among party members, and the members of the praesidium had their own opinions.
Sinkevičius noted that Ruginienė’s candidacy was supported by 48 votes in favour, with several people abstaining and a few opposed.
“It is clear that the absolute majority of the praesidium voted in favour of Ruginienė’s candidacy,” said Sinkevičius.
When asked why Olekas candidacy was rejected; the LSDP leader assured that it was decided that, looking to the future and renewal, Sabutis and Ruginienė could be candidates for the post of Prime Minister.
“No one expressed any criticism whatsoever of Olekas personally. There is simply no for or against here – it was simply the board’s priority and choice,” explained Sinkevičius.
However, there was not much discussion about the coalition at the praesidium and board meetings – according to the party’s interim leader, this is not yet the correct format.
“We have not formed any preliminary positions at this time, because we cannot. This is not the correct format. We have formed a six-person negotiating working group so that talks on the future of the coalition, its work, and prospects can materialise,” said Sinkevičius.
These individuals are Sinkevičius, Ruginienė, Olekas, Budbergytė, Andriukaitis, and Leiputė.
According to the Social Democratic Party Chairman, LSDP leaders will meet shortly to gauge the temperature regarding the future of the coalition.
“Our goal is not to bang on doors, run left and right, but to try to fulfil our election promises and the Government’s Program, which, to be honest, may need some adjustments,” Sinkevičius said.
However, he also added that President Gitanas Nausėda views Ruginienė’s candidacy positively.
“A true celebration of democracy”
Ruginienė herself said that the party’s decision was both expected and unexpected. She described her opponents as extremely strong and competent, although she does not even refer to them as opponents.
“They are wonderful candidates, so imagine that it was a real celebration of democracy. There was no fighting because our party is so mature that we had excellent, constructive discussions both in the board and in the praesidium,” said the candidate for prime minister.
“The battles that the whole of Lithuania was perhaps hoping and waiting for did not happen, but after considering all the arguments, the party members made their choice,” added Ruginienė.
When asked if she sees further work in the coalition with Nemuno Aušra, the current Minister of Social Security and Labour, emphasised that the alliance and the coalition agreement are currently functioning, so all steps must be taken gradually – first, the prime minister, the Government, and the Government Program must be approved.
Ruginienė has not yet answered whether there will be changes in the Cabinet.
“Don’t worry, I have a vision, but it’s too early to talk about it. Let me take care of the formalities first,” she said, adding that she would also need to meet with the president and wait for the vote in the Seimas.
Ruginienė also responded to criticism that she is not experienced enough and has not been in the party long enough to lead the Government. She said she had heard such comments, but that the vote in the party showed that her arguments had convinced her colleagues.
“This is certainly not the first time I have heard this argument, and it is not the first time I have managed to refute it. Our teamwork will fill any gaps in my experience within the party. We have agreed with the party chairman to work as a team, shoulder to shoulder,” emphasised Ruginienė.
Ruginienė admitted that she did not want to compare herself to Paluckas, but she had already made a promise to the public.
“I can promise only one thing—that I will continue to uphold social democratic values. I agree with and like our Government’s Program, I contributed to it myself, which means that all of Lithuania can expect that, regardless of who may not like it, we will continue our work and work for the welfare of the people of Lithuania,” she promised.
The candidate does not yet know when she will meet with the president – she intends to wait for a call from Nausėda.
The Social Democratic candidate for prime minister said she has no skeletons in her closet, but cannot protect herself from rumours.
“I am calm about myself. But you see how things work – various rumours and gossip arise. I have already heard many different things about myself that are entirely untrue. I can never predict what tomorrow will bring, but I cannot be afraid,” said Ruginienė.
How did it all happen?
For some time after Paluckas’ resignation, several names of possible candidates for prime minister were circulating in the public sphere – Sinkevičius, Olekas, Ruginienė, and Duchnevičius.
Olekas and Ruginienė had already confirmed that they would not shy away from responsibility if necessary. For his part, Jonava Mayor and interim LSDP Chairman Sinkevičius announced after a meeting with President Nausėda that he would not seek the post.
However, just before the Social Democrats’ meeting in Vilnius, the name of another possible candidate unexpectedly emerged – the current Minister of Transport and Communications, Eugenijus Sabutis, began to be considered for the post of prime minister.
However, once the party’s praesidium meeting had begun, it became clear that Olekas was out of the running, leaving two names in the frame.
The Social Democrats’ candidate for prime minister will still have to be discussed with President Nausėda.
The head of state will then submit the candidate for prime minister to the Seimas for approval.
We would like to remind you that after the scandal-ridden former Prime Minister Paluckas was forced to step down, the entire Cabinet also resigned.
However, it will continue its work under the temporary leadership of Finance Minister Rimantas Šadžius until a new government is formed.
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