Paluckas is Lithuania's new prime minister

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This week's Polis Press Review focuses on Lithuania's new Prime Minister, Gintautas Paluckas, whose appointment marks a significant shift in the Baltic nation's leadership. ????

The Appointment:

President Gitanas Nauseda has appointed 45-year-old Social Democrat Gintautas Paluckas as Lithuania's new prime minister, following his party's victory in last month's elections. Paluckas steps in after party leader Vilija Blinkeviciute withdrew her candidacy citing age and health concerns. He now has 15 days to form a cabinet. ??

Coalition Controversy:

The new government has sparked controversy due to its inclusion of the populist Nemunas Dawn party, whose leader faces trial for alleged anti-Semitic remarks. This coalition decision has prompted protests, with several thousand people gathering outside parliament. Conservative lawmaker Mindaugas Linge warns the alliance "poses a risk to Lithuania's security and national interests." ??

Policy Evolution:

Paluckas represents an interesting political evolution in Lithuanian politics. Once opposed to increased defence spending, he has shifted his stance significantly since Russia invaded Ukraine. He now advocates raising defence spending to 3.5% of GDP in 2025, demonstrating Lithuania's continued commitment to NATO obligations. ???

Key Cabinet Appointments:

Paluckas has already named eight out of 13 cabinet members, including:

Social Democrat lawmaker Dovile Sakaliene as defence minister

Kestutis Budrys, the president's chief national security adviser, as foreign minister

Policy Priorities:

The new PM has outlined several key focuses:

Maintaining Lithuania's sanctions policies toward Belarus and Russia

Reducing bureaucratic red tape for major investment projects

Improving public services and institutional trust

Addressing economic challenges and over-regulation

Personal Background:

Worth noting is Paluckas's complex history - he's one of Lithuania's wealthier parliamentarians with assets over €2 million, but also carries a past corruption conviction from 2010 related to a public tender case. Despite this, he's known for being "stubborn and goal-oriented," according to his description. ??

The appointment of Paluckas represents both continuity in Lithuania's pro-Western orientation and potential changes in domestic policy. His government's success will largely depend on managing the controversial coalition while maintaining Lithuania's strong stance on regional security issues. ??

#Lithuania #EuropeanPolitics #NATO #BalticStates #EuropeanSecurity