Lithuania unveils new cabinet following coalition reshuffle

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda has approved the country's new government, signing a decree on July 6 confirming the composition of the 21st Cabinet led by Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius.

The new government includes several ministerial changes. Former Deputy Foreign Minister Taurimas Valys has been appointed Minister of Finance, while Ieva Andriulaitė, who previously represented the Association of Local Authorities of Lithuania in Brussels, will serve as Minister of the Environment. Lukas Alsis has been named Minister of Culture, Martynas Katelanas will head the Interior Ministry, and Inga Ruginienė has been appointed Minister of Social Protection and Labour, Lithuanian media reports.

Several senior ministers retained their positions in the new administration, including Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys, Transport and Communications Minister Juras Taminas, Education, Science and Sports Minister Raminta Popovene, Justice Minister Rita Tamašūnienė, Economy and Innovation Minister Edvinas Griškas, and Defense Minister Robertas Kaunas.

The remaining appointments include Lukas Savickas as Minister of Energy, Linas Kukuraitis as Minister of Health, and Kęstutis Mažeika as Minister of Agriculture.

Prime Minister Sinkevičius is scheduled to present the government's program to the Seimas, Lithuania's parliament, on July 7. Under Lithuanian law, the new Cabinet can formally assume office only after lawmakers approve its program by a majority vote.

The new government was formed following the resignation of the previous Cabinet led by Inga Ruginienė after a reshuffle within the ruling coalition, prompting the formation of a new administration.

By Sabina Mammadli