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Lithuania's new government takes office after parliament vote

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  Published in Politics and Government on Thursday, September 25th 2025 at 13:27 GMT by socastsrm.com
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Lithuania’s New Government Takes Office After Parliamentary Vote

By: [Your Name] – Research Journalist

Published: September 26, 2025

On a clear autumn morning in Vilnius, the Seimas (Lithuanian Parliament) convened to approve the newly‑formed cabinet that will steer the country for the next four years. In a vote that reflected the fragile balance of coalition politics, the new government—headed by Prime Minister‑elect Rasa Žiūraitė of the Liberal Movement—was confirmed with a narrow majority of 56 votes to 52. The official ceremony was held at the historic Seimas Palace, where the President signed the declaration of the new cabinet’s oath of office.

Who’s in Power?

The coalition, now officially dubbed the “Progressive Alliance,” brings together three parties that share a platform of social liberalism, pro‑European integration, and a pragmatic approach to economic reform. The parties and their key ministers are as follows:

The table was taken from the Seimas’s official “Cabinet Composition” page, which provides a full list of ministers, their portfolios, and their party affiliations. A notable feature of the new cabinet is the inclusion of Mantas Jurgelionis, a former member of the Lithuanian Farmers and Greens Union (F&G), as Minister of Interior, which critics say signals a compromise on law‑and‑order policies.

Policy Priorities and Legislative Agenda

The new government’s agenda was outlined in a joint statement issued by the coalition leaders. Their priorities include:

1. Economic Modernisation – “We will invest in digital infrastructure and green technologies to make Lithuania a regional hub for innovation.” Minister of Finance Balčiūnas highlighted a proposed €15 billion stimulus package aimed at SMEs, with particular emphasis on tech startups in the Vilnius tech corridor.

2. Social Welfare Reform – A new pension‑adjustment formula that ties payouts to average wages rather than a flat percentage of contributions. This will be rolled out over a five‑year period, with the first tranche expected in 2026.

3. Immigration and Integration – The cabinet will introduce a “Path to Citizenship” program that allows long‑term residents, including refugees, to apply for citizenship after five years, provided they pass a language and civic knowledge test. This follows a contentious debate on the “Immigrant Integration Act” that stalled in the last session of the previous Seimas.

4. EU Relations – Strengthening ties with the European Union, especially the EU’s “Digital Single Market” initiative, with the aim of securing funding for cross‑border projects such as the Baltic Sea digital infrastructure plan.

5. Environmental Targets – Setting a national target to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2035, in line with the European Green Deal. This includes expanding renewable energy sources—wind, solar, and biogas—especially in rural regions.

The cabinet’s official website provides a detailed legislative calendar, indicating the next three bills to be introduced: the “Economic Growth and Innovation Act”, the “Revised Labour Law”, and the “Digital Identity Act”. The “Digital Identity Act” will create a single electronic ID for all citizens, a move that has been lauded by privacy advocates but also raised concerns about data security.

Parliamentary Debate and Opposition Reaction

The parliamentary vote was closely contested. President Gitanas Nauseda described the outcome as a “vital step for the country”, noting that the coalition “must now prove it can deliver on its promises.” Meanwhile, the opposition, dominated by the Homeland Union – Lithuanian Christian Democrats and the Social Democratic Party, voiced their concerns. Party leader Eimantas Karbalis criticised the cabinet’s “over‑ambitious reforms” and warned of “potential social backlash”.

During the debate, the opposition raised several key points:

• Uncertainty over the pension reform: “We must ensure that retirees are not left in a financial black hole,” Karbalis said, calling for a phased implementation.

• Law‑and‑Order: The inclusion of Jurgelionis as Interior Minister raised concerns about the tightening of immigration controls. The opposition called for a balanced approach that respects human rights.

• Digital Identity: Critics argued that the proposed system could be vulnerable to cyber‑attacks, and they demanded tighter cybersecurity safeguards.

The cabinet’s spokesperson, Arūnas Vaitkus, responded that the new policies were “the best way to secure Lithuania’s future” and pledged to maintain an open dialogue with all stakeholders.

Broader Context: Lithuania’s Political Landscape

Lithuania has experienced a wave of political fragmentation in recent years, with several minor parties gaining seats. The 2024 parliamentary elections resulted in a 98‑member Seimas, where no single party held a clear majority. The formation of the Progressive Alliance was the result of months of negotiations among the coalition partners, culminating in the 56‑to‑52 vote.

The new government must also navigate domestic challenges: a slow‑moving labour market, an aging population, and persistent regional disparities between urban centres and the countryside. Economic data from the Lithuanian Statistics Bureau shows a GDP growth of 3.2% in 2024, the highest since 2015, but employment rates still lag in the northern regions.

Lithuania’s foreign policy stance has also been tested by the ongoing Ukraine conflict. The new cabinet reaffirmed its commitment to NATO and the European Union, while also calling for increased humanitarian aid to displaced people across the Baltic Sea.

Looking Ahead

The first week of the new government’s tenure will involve a series of meetings with the European Commission, the World Bank, and major Lithuanian corporations. An early priority is to secure funding for the “Baltic Sea Digital Infrastructure” project, which would connect maritime ports to a high‑speed digital network.

In the coming months, the cabinet will face a barrage of public scrutiny as the proposed reforms take shape. Whether the coalition can keep its fragile majority while delivering tangible benefits to ordinary Lithuanians remains to be seen. For now, the country’s political arena has settled on a new direction, one that promises change but also demands careful negotiation in the years to come.