Place chair Mindaugas Sinkevičius confirmed the answer, stating that the Social Democrats have nominated Ruginienė as their candidate to become prime minister. A staunch supporter of social democratic values, Ruginienė led the Baltic country's trade union confederation from 2018 until she was named minister.

Coalition Support Still Uncertain
The Social Democrats, who made up 52 of the 141 seats in Lithuania's parliament, have created a coalition government with For Lithuania and populist Nemunas Dawn. Nevertheless, it remains uncertain whether these two coalition partners are supporting the nomination of Ruginienė.

The acting prime minister will be Finance Minister Rimantas Šadžius until the new prime minister and cabinet are determined.

Paluckas Resigns Amid Pressure
The move followed an announcement last week by Gintautas Paluckas, who submitted his resignation on Monday. His downfall came as political pressures mounted due to his business links with a company controlled by his sister-in-law, setting off alarm bells within the party and in the wider coalition.

The new leadership will have several years to shape policy and government direction; Lithuania does not hold another parliamentary election until 2028.