VILNIUS, June 25 (Xinhua) -- Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda on Thursday submitted the nomination of Mindaugas Sinkevicius as prime minister to Seimas, the country's parliament, after political parties agreed to form a new governing coalition.
The Seimas is expected to vote on the nomination on Tuesday. Sinkevicius is also scheduled to meet parliamentary factions that day.
The nomination came after a political reshuffle in which the ruling coalition ended its agreement with political party Nemuno Ausra and former Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene stepped down, paving the way for a new government majority.
Nauseda said Sinkevicius' experience in government, local administration and municipal representation would help build broader political consensus and facilitate constructive policymaking.
He stressed the need to maintain defence spending at no less than 5 percent of gross domestic product, ensure efficient use of security funding, continue support for Ukraine, and prepare for Lithuania's upcoming presidency of the Council of the European Union.
He said the next government should focus on demographic challenges, family policy, regional development, energy independence, innovation, and economic growth, while strengthening institutional transparency and accountability.
According to local media, Sinkevicius told lawmakers he intended to open a "new chapter" in governance with a program focused on social policy, digitalization, and security.
The previous government formally ended its mandate earlier this week. Under Lithuania's Constitution, the president must submit a candidate for prime minister to the Seimas within 15 days of a government's resignation.
If the Seimas approves the nomination, the new prime minister will have 15 days to present a cabinet and government program for parliamentary approval. ■
