Seimas approved Gintautas Paluckas’ nomination for the post of Prime Minister

Press release, 21 November 2024 

Having regard to the decree of the President of the Republic, Gitanas Nausėda, the Seimas has approved the candidate nominated by the President. As a result, Gintautas Paluckas, a representative of the Lithuanian Social Democratic Party Political Group, has been appointed as Prime Minister.

The relevant Seimas resolution (draft No XVP-15(2)) was adopted by 88 votes in favour, with 34 votes against and six abstentions.

In presenting the nomination, the President expressed his confidence that Mr Paluckas’ motivation, experience, and the team of ministers he will build will ensure the nation’s concerns are heard, recognised and addressed with the respect they deserve.

According to the President, the most pressing issue today is the security of Lithuania and Europe as a whole. ‘We must maintain our unwavering support for Ukraine, meet our commitments to international partners, and enhance our armed forces. It is imperative that the next government acts swiftly, accurately, and with the highest quality to implement agreements that have already been established. It is also crucial that the government provides adequate and timely supplies to our troops. Increasing defence funding is no longer a matter of debate today. This is a specific task for the future government and the ruling majority to implement,’ the President said.

The President emphasised Lithuania’s exceptional responsibility as it prepares to hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The President stated that ‘Lithuania’s leadership has the potential to drive global strategic decisions. We have the opportunity to be even better heard across Europe and beyond.’

The President also stressed that the future government will be tasked to boldly implement a fairer tax policy, ensuring better access to finance for business, expanding export markets, and promoting investment.

‘We must respond to demographic change without delay. The new government will have to develop a modern family-strengthening policy, improve the situation of seniors, control migration, and use all available measures to combat exclusion,’ the President said.

Mr Paluckas, the nominee for Prime Minister, emphasised that his primary focus is building a capable team to effectively implement the Government’s program and meet public expectations.

‘This is undoubtedly one of the most difficult challenges, as human dynamics and political rivalries  can sometimes impede even the most well-intentioned and noble efforts. I approach the cabinet formation process with the utmost responsibility, striving to maintain a constructive dialogue with the President. My aim is to establish priorities that address the needs of the entire population, foster broad public support, and ensure strong inter-institutional cooperation between the Government, the Seimas, and the President,’ he said. Among the urgent tasks ahead, Mr Paluckas identified the review of the state budget as a key priority.

‘I am convinced that certain electoral battles were still echoing during our discussions. I sincerely hope that the echoes of past conflicts will soon fade, allowing us to focus on the business agenda and address the issues that matter most to Lithuanian society,’ he said.

Under the Statute of the Seimas, the Prime Minister must, within 15 days of their appointment, introduce the newly formed Government—approved by the President of the Republic—to the Seimas and present its programme for consideration.

The Constitution stipulates that the Prime Minister is appointed and dismissed by the President of the Republic with the approval of the Seimas.

During the first sitting of the new legislature, Mr Paluckas announced a declaration on the formation of the ruling coalition. According to the declaration, Members of the Seimas representing the Lithuanian Social Democratic Party Political Group, the Nemunas Dawn Political Group, and the Political Group of Democrats ‘For Lithuania’ have officially joined the coalition.

Rimas Rudaitis, Adviser, Press Office, Information and Communication Department, tel. +370 5 209 6132, e-mail: [email protected]