Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda on Tuesday approved the formation of a new government led by Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene but withheld confirmation of nominees for the environment and energy ministries.

According to the Baltic News Service (BNS), the coalition partner Nemunas Dawn had nominated Povilas Poderskis for environment minister and lawyer Mindaugas Jablonskis for energy minister. However, Nauseda explained that the candidates were submitted on the final day, leaving insufficient time for review. He noted he had not met them, nor received a security assessment of Jablonskis, and therefore could not yet approve their appointments.

The new government will officially take office once its program is approved by Parliament, likely next week. Coalition parties still have time to negotiate with the president on acceptable candidates for the two vacant posts.

The cabinet change followed the resignation of former Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas on August 4, which automatically triggered the dissolution of the entire government. To restore stability, the Lithuanian Social Democratic Party (LSDP), Nemunas Dawn, the Lithuanian Farmers and Greens Union (LFGU), and the Christian Families Alliance signed a coalition agreement in late August.

Nauseda nominated Ruginiene, a member of the LSDP, as prime minister earlier in August. While endorsing her, he noted the need for “more attention” to her background. Ruginiene, 44, previously served as chair of the Lithuanian Confederation of Trade Unions before entering Parliament in 2024.

The president said their initial meetings were lengthy and detailed, covering sensitive issues such as her family’s ties to Russia, her visits there, and her husband’s business interests. Despite the scrutiny, Nauseda expressed confidence that Ruginiene could “successfully do the job” as head of government.