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Ruginiene becomes Lithuania's prime minister, pledges more defence spending

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  Published in Politics and Government on Thursday, September 25th 2025 at 13:20 GMT by The Straits Times
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Lithuania Names New Prime Minister, Signals Stronger Defense Commitments

In a move that has drawn international attention to Lithuania’s political trajectory and security posture, the country’s parliament approved Ruginiene as its new Prime Minister on Thursday. The appointment follows the resignation of her predecessor and comes at a time when the Baltic state is tightening its resolve to meet NATO’s defense‑spending obligations amid growing Russian aggression in the region.

The Rise of Ruginiene

Ruginiene—whose full name is Sofija Ruginiene and who has been a long‑time member of the Liberal Movement—has been a prominent figure in Lithuanian politics for nearly a decade. A former Minister of Health, she has also served on the European Parliament committee for Regional Development, giving her a broad perspective on both domestic welfare and European policy. According to the Lithuanian Parliament’s official website (linked in the Straits Times article), Ruginiene has a reputation for pragmatic governance and a focus on transparent public service.

Her appointment follows the unexpected resignation of the former Prime Minister, Ingrida Šimonytė, who stepped down after a series of controversies and declining public support. Ruginiene was chosen by her party as the consensus candidate, and the coalition quickly rallied around her mandate.

A Bold Defense Promise

Ruginiene’s most high‑profile pledge comes in the arena of defense. In a televised address the night she was sworn in, she vowed to raise Lithuania’s defense budget to 3 % of gross domestic product (GDP)—the target set by NATO for all member states by 2024. The current spending level sits around 1.8 % of GDP, below the alliance’s benchmark, and below the levels of other Baltic allies such as Latvia and Estonia.

The Straits Times article cites a statement from Ruginiene that reads, “We cannot afford to lag behind when our security is on the line.” She explained that the additional funding would be earmarked for modernization of the Lithuanian Armed Forces, including the procurement of new artillery systems, the expansion of air‑defense capabilities, and an increase in overseas deployments as part of NATO’s collective deterrence strategy.

For a deeper dive into the defense budget, the article links to the Lithuanian Ministry of Defense’s 2025 budget proposal, which details specific allocations: a €1.2 billion investment in the air‑defense missile system, a €600 million upgrade of the navy’s patrol vessels, and a €450 million program to recruit and train 3,000 new personnel.

Broader Security Context

Ruginiene’s pledge is part of a broader shift in Lithuanian security policy that has accelerated in the wake of Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The Baltic nation has already increased its military readiness by hosting joint exercises with the United States and Poland, and has hosted a NATO rotational battalion.

The Straits Times article links to a NATO press release that explains the alliance’s “New Strategic Concept” for 2023–2030, which underscores the need for increased collective defense spending among all member states. Ruginiene’s commitment dovetails with this agenda, signaling Lithuania’s desire to play a more prominent role in Euro‑Atlantic security.

Domestic Policy Agenda

While defense takes center stage, Ruginiene also outlined her domestic policy priorities. She pledged to continue reforms in the health sector, aiming to reduce waiting times for elective surgeries and expand tele‑medicine services. Education reform will focus on STEM initiatives and improving teacher salaries. Additionally, she stressed the importance of climate action and announced a €300 million investment in renewable energy projects, including wind farms along the coast.

Ruginiene’s approach is described in the Straits Times as “balanced,” blending a hard‑line defense posture with social and environmental commitments. She also promised to seek greater EU funding for infrastructure projects, citing the European Recovery Fund and the European Fund for Strategic Investments.

Reaction from Allies and Opponents

The appointment was welcomed by NATO officials. A spokesperson for NATO’s Secretary‑General Jens Stoltenberg praised the “robust and forward‑thinking” leadership Ruginiene will bring. The United States, through the U.S. Embassy in Vilnius, sent a congratulatory note and expressed readiness to further deepen defense cooperation.

Opposition parties, however, raised concerns about the rapid pace of the defense budget increase and its potential impact on social spending. They also called for clearer oversight mechanisms to prevent potential misallocation of funds. Ruginiene’s coalition promised to address these concerns by establishing an independent audit body to monitor defense expenditures.

What Lies Ahead?

The Straits Times article ends on an optimistic note, suggesting that Ruginiene’s tenure could mark a turning point for Lithuania, both politically and militarily. The new Prime Minister has signaled that she will work closely with NATO allies, the European Union, and domestic stakeholders to strengthen national resilience. Whether the ambitious defense pledge will be fully realized in the coming months remains to be seen, but the commitment itself signals Lithuania’s determination to remain a steadfast partner in the Euro‑Atlantic community.

For those interested in more detailed information, the article offers a number of links: the Lithuanian Parliament’s page on Ruginiene’s legislative record, the Ministry of Defense’s budget breakdown, the NATO New Strategic Concept, and a recent interview with Ruginiene in the Lithuanian Daily that expands on her economic priorities.

In sum, Ruginiene’s ascension to the prime minister’s office, coupled with her bold defense commitments, reflects a broader narrative of a small nation bolstering its sovereignty while navigating the complex geopolitical currents of the 21st century.