VILNIUS, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda signed a decree on Wednesday, approving the new cabinet line-up, excluding the environment and justice ministers.
Prime Minister-designate Gintautas Paluckas said he did not formally submit candidates for the environment and justice ministers after discussions with the president revealed certain "limitations in their competence or profile."
The president endorsed all other ministerial candidates proposed by the Lithuanian Social Democratic Party (LSDP) and the Democratic Union "For Lithuania" (DSVL). The newly appointed ministers are expected to be sworn in next week following the approval of the government program by the Lithuanian parliament, the Seimas.
After two rounds of parliamentary elections on Oct. 13 and 27, the LSDP emerged as the largest party, winning 52 seats in the 141-seat unicameral parliament. Down of Nemunas (PPNA) and DSVL secured 20 and 14 seats, respectively. On Nov. 11, the LSDP, PPNA and DSVL signed an agreement to form a ruling coalition.
On Nov. 21, the Seimas voted 88-34, with six abstentions, to appoint Gintautas Paluckas as the next prime minister. ■