VILNIUS, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- Lithuania's parliament on Thursday approved the 20th government, a coalition formed by the Social Democrats, Nemunas Dawn, and the political group of the Farmers and Greens Union and the Christian Families Alliance.
The new Cabinet's program was adopted with 80 votes in favor, 40 against, and two abstentions.
Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene and the ministers were sworn in shortly after the vote and assumed office immediately.
"With this government program, we are clearly declaring that we want a stronger public sector, that we want to listen to communities, promote social dialogue and solve problems through dialogue," Ruginiene told parliament. "We want to invest more in defense, which we have already demonstrated and will continue to demonstrate. We want a strong social foundation for every resident, we want wages to rise, our seniors to live with dignity and vulnerable people to have much better lives."
The program commits to raising defense spending to 5 percent of GDP and pledges no new taxes during the term, except for a planned financial stability levy on banks, details of which remain under discussion. It also includes a freeze on diesel excise hikes, while excise duties on tobacco, e-cigarettes, and alcohol will increase at a faster pace.
The new ruling coalition, which commands 82 of the 141 parliamentary seats, was formed in August following the resignation of former Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas. ■
