Lithuania has a new prime minister after the exclusion of the populist party from the coalition

Mindaugas Sinkevicius, the leader of the Social Democratic Party of Lithuania, was appointed prime minister on Tuesday, following a reshuffle of the coalition, after the populist party Zori pe Neman left the government due to disagreements over defense policy and internal conflicts, including the condemnation of its leader for antisemitism. Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda approved Sinkevicius's appointment, who will replace Inga Ruginiene.

The exclusion of the populist party was decided in June, after criticism regarding the radicalization of its leader, Remigijus Zemaitaitis, who was found guilty of inciting hatred against Jews. The new coalition, formed by social democrats, the Agrarian Union, Greens, and Democrats for Lithuania, will have a majority of 75 out of 141 seats in parliament. The parties have committed to respecting commitments regarding Lithuania's defense spending, an important ally of Ukraine. The coalition agreement will be formalized by the signing of the parties and approved by the president.