Gintautas Paluckas: Lithuania's New Prime Minister from Social Democrats

Lithuania's Social Democrats, having won the parliamentary elections, have chosen deputy leader Gintautas Paluckas as the next Prime Minister. Vilija Blinkeviciute, the party's leader, declined the position due to health reasons. The Social Democrats are now negotiating with smaller parties to form a majority coalition.

Lithuania's Social Democrats have emerged victorious in the parliamentary elections, opting for deputy leader Gintautas Paluckas as the country's next Prime Minister. This decision was confirmed by Vilija Blinkeviciute, the party's leader, who cited health reasons for her withdrawal from the candidacy.

The Social Democrats secured 52 seats in the 141-member parliament, outpacing the centre-right Homeland Union. The election was heavily influenced by public discontent over living costs and regional security concerns, especially pertaining to Russia.

The party is currently in negotiations with smaller factions to establish a majority governing coalition, while maintaining its commitment to Lithuania's robust defense spending, approximately 3% of GDP, ranking it sixth in NATO.

(With inputs from agencies.)