A coalition consisting of the Social Democrats, the center-left “For Lithuania” Union of Democrats and the populist Nemunas Dawn won elections on October 27, gaining 86 of the 141 seats in parliament.
Its Cabinet ministers are set to be sworn in next week following parliamentary approval of the government’s program.
The new government features a diverse line-up, including Władysław Kondratowicz, a member of Lithuania’s Polish minority, as interior minister.
“The presence of a Pole in the new government is very good news for the Polish community in Lithuania,” said political scientist Dr. Andrzej Pukszto of Vytautas Magnus University.
Other appointments include Kęstutis Budrys as foreign minister and Dovilė Šakalienė as defense minister.
Security a priority
The new government is expected to prioritize national security, pledging to allocate at least 3.5% of GDP to defense amid fears of Russian aggression.
The incoming government called China a “growing challenge” in its draft program, citing Beijing’s strategic ties with Russia and influence in Belarus. It pledged to enhance ties with Taiwan and regional partners such as Japan and South Korea.
“We will strive for a united approach towards China among European and transatlantic partners,” the draft states, while also promising to restore full diplomatic relations with Beijing without making “excessive concessions.”
Relations with China were strained when Lithuania allowed Taiwan to open a representative office in Vilnius, leading to retaliatory action by Beijing.
Last week, Lithuania declared three Chinese diplomats persona non grata, further escalating tensions.
