The Lithuanian opposition has been critical about Ruginienė’s ability to lead.
“It is impossible not to notice the candidate’s striking lack of political experience,” leader of the Homeland Union–Lithuanian Christian Democrats, Laurynas Kasčiūnas, said ahead of the vote.
Ruginienė told lawmakers: “My biggest dream is that at the end of my term, I can once again stand before you and say that together we were able to accomplish very, very important work.”
She stands with Ukraine and has condemned Russia’s aggression in the past, though was questioned over visits to Russia after its annexation of Crimea. Ruginienė said she has family roots in both Ukraine and Russia.
Ruginienė’s lack of political experience did not stop the Social Democrats from putting her forward, especially after two contenders — Deputy Speaker of the parliament Juozas Olekas and Transport Minister Eugenijus Sabutis — withdrew from the race at a late stage.
The reasons for the dual withdrawal were never disclosed, though President Gitanas Nausėda had warned, on the day of Paluckas’ resignation, that any future nominee would have to be carefully vetted to avoid “another situation like this,” to prevent instability.
That warning soon looked prescient. Days after stepping back from PM contention, Sabutis came under investigation from the Special Investigation Service for allegedly abusing his office and forging 18 documents while serving on a district council.
Olekas, meanwhile, will become the new speaker of the parliament.
