Lithuanian parliament approves Gintautas Paluckas as new premier

Paluckas has 15 days to form cabinet, present government’s program to parliament

By Ahmet Gencturk

ATHENS (AA) – The Lithuanian parliament, or Seimas, approved Gintautas Paluckas as the country’s new premier, local media reported Thursday.

Of the 141 lawmakers, 88 voted in favor, 36 voted against, and six abstained, according to public broadcaster LRT.

Paluckas was nominated by President Gitanas Nauseda to lead the 19th government, following a proposal by a coalition of Social Democrats (LSDP), the Democratic Union, and the Nemunas Dawn party.

Later today, Paluckas will meet with Nauseda to discuss the formation of his cabinet.

He will then have 15 days to form a cabinet and present his government’s program to the parliament.

Paluckas, 45, a former deputy mayor of the capital Vilnius (2015-2019) and leader of the LSDP (2017-2021), was picked to lead the government after LSDP leader Vilija Blinkeviciute decided to remain in the European Parliament and refused both the premiership and a seat in the Seimas.

In October, the LSDP won the country’s general elections, securing 52 seats.

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