Inga Ruginienė

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Her Excellency
Inga Ruginienė
MP
Side view of Inga Ruginienė, flanked by two men
Ruginienė in 2025
19th Prime Minister of Lithuania
Incumbent
Assumed office
25 September 2025
PresidentGitanas Nausėda
Preceded byGintautas Paluckas
Rimantas Šadžius (acting)
Minister of Social Security and Labour
In office
12 December 2024 – 25 September 2025
Prime MinisterGintautas Paluckas
Rimantas Šadžius (acting)
Preceded byVytautas Šilinskas
Succeeded byJūratė Zailskienė
Member of the Seimas
Incumbent
Assumed office
14 November 2024
ConstituencyMulti-member
President of the Lithuanian Trade Union Confederation
In office
4 May 2018 – 13 November 2024
Preceded byArtūras Černiauskas
Succeeded byAudrius Gelžinis (acting)
Personal details
BornInga Raitelaitytė
(1981-05-24) 24 May 1981 (age 44)
Trakai, Lithuanian SSR, Soviet Union
Political partyLSDP (since 2024)[1]
SpouseVismantas Ruginis[2]
Children2
Alma materMykolas Romeris University
Vilnius University

Inga Ruginienė (née Raitelaitytė; born 24 May 1981) is a Lithuanian trade unionist and politician who has served as the 19th prime minister of Lithuania since 25 September 2025. A member of the Social Democratic Party (LSDP), she has also been serving as a Member of the Seimas since 2024 and served as the Minister of Social Security and Labour prior to her appointment as prime minister.

In 2024, Ruginienė joined the LSDP to participate in the parliamentary elections held that year. She was elected to the Seimas in November 2024 and the following month became the Minister of Social Security and Labour in the new LSDP government under Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas. On 4 August 2025, Paluckas resigned as prime minister following financial scandals and the LSDP nominated Ruginienė for prime minister two days later. Her nomination was subsequently confirmed by the Seimas on 26 August.

Early life and education

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Inga Ruginienė was born in Trakai on 24 May 1981.[3][4] She grew up in Grigiškės, but spent summers during her childhood in the eastern Ukrainian city of Kramatorsk.[5][6] Her maternal grandmother lived in Ukraine, while her grandfather was deported to Siberia following World War II.[5] Her grandparents subsequently met in Siberia.[5]

In 1999, she graduated from Šviesa Gymnasium [lt] in Grigiškės.[7] In 2005, Ruginienė earned a master's degree in public health from Vilnius University.[3][4]

Career

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Ruginienė worked as a public health specialist at the State Environmental Health Center from 2005 to 2008.[3][4] Ruginienė worked as Vilnius region director for the company "S Stata" from 2008 to 2010.[3][4]

Ruginienė served as vice chair of the Lithuanian Federation of Forest and Wood Workers' Trade Unions from 2012 to 2014, and as chair from 2014 to 2018.[3][4] In 2015, Ruginienė earned a bachelor's degree in forest management from the Kaunas Forestry and Environmental Engineering College [lt].[4]

She also served as chair of the Lithuanian Trade Union Confederation from 2018 to 2024.[3][4] In 2022, she earned a master's in labor law from Mykolas Romeris University.[3][4] She served as vice president of the European Trade Union Confederation from 2023 to 2024.[3][4]

Ruginienė entered electoral politics when she ran in the 2024 Lithuanian parliamentary election.[8][3][4] Her name appeared on the Lithuanian Social Democratic Party (LSDP) candidate list, though she was not an official member of any party at the time of the election.[8][9][10] Despite finishing in sixth place in the Naujininkai–Rasos single-seat constituency,[11] she secured a seat in the multi-mandate district of the Seimas due to her position in the party list.[12] She became an official member of the LSDP in November 2024, after the election.[9]

Following the Social Democrats' victory in the parliamentary election, Ruginienė became the Minister of Social Security and Labour.[13] She served in the Paluckas Cabinet from 12 December 2024 until its dissolution on 4 August 2025. After its dissolution, she served as acting minister.[14][15][16]

Within the Seimas, Ruginienė served on the parliamentary committee on human rights.[17] She has also served as vice chair of the parliamentary group on forest conservation and as a member of the "against mass immigration", "friends of Neringa", and women's parliamentary groups.[4]

On 6 August 2025, the Lithuanian Social Democratic Party nominated Ruginienė for Prime Minister.[18] The nomination was approved on 26 August.[13] On 25 September 2025, the parliament voted 80–42 to approve a coalition government led by the Social Democratic Party, swearing her in as the new prime minister.[19][20]

Political positions

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According to journalist Stasys Gudavičius, Ruginienė represents "left–social democratic" political positions.[21]

Social issues

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Ruginienė supports same-sex unions and stated on 7 August that she would renew discussions on enshrining same-sex unions into law.[22] She supports the proposed Reproductive Health Law, which would make abortions free of charge and legalize medical abortions.[23]

Economics

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Ruginienė supports the buy-out of private shares in the energy holding company Ignitis. Describing her views on economics, she stated that "it's no secret that I represent left-wing politics, and I believe that the public sector should be strengthened and be more in the hands of the state."[24] She also indicated that her cabinet might increase certain tax rates, especially the excise tax for alcohol and tobacco products.[25]

Defense

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Ruginienė has stated that she considers national security a priority. She has indicated that she would maintain the Paluckas Government's plan to increase defense spending to 5–6% of GDP.[26]

She has stated that it might be necessary for Lithuania to introduce universal military conscription.[27]

Foreign policy

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Ruginienė has expressed strong support for Ukraine in the context of the Russo-Ukrainian War.[6] In August 2025, she stated that she had no clear position as to whether Lithuania should send troops to Ukraine as part of a potential peacekeeping force.[28]

Ruginienė has called China a threat but has emphasised that Lithuania's policy should align with the European Union's common position on the country.[29] China downgraded its relations with Lithuania following the 2021 establishment of a Taiwanese Representative Office in Vilnius which used the name "Taiwan" instead of "Taipei".[29] Ruginienė has stated that she aims to normalize diplomatic relations with Beijing, but not to pursue "friendly relations".[30]

Immigration

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Ruginienė is a member of the parliamentary group "against mass immigration".[4]

In January 2025, Ruginienė was interviewed about immigration on the TV station LRT televizija. She argued that migration should be more tightly controlled for security reasons, that Lithuania should focus on attracting skilled workers who will stay and contribute to the tax base, and that integration should be a priority.[31]

Prime Minister of Lithuania (2025–present)

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See also: Ruginienė Cabinet

Inga Ruginienė was nominated for the office of Prime Minister by President Gitanas Nausėda in early August 2025 following the resignation of her predecessor. On 26 August 2025, the Seimas approved her appointment by a vote of 78 in favor, 35 against, and 14 abstentions. Subsequently, President Nausėda issued the formal decree confirming her as Prime Minister, and on 25 September 2025 she and her Cabinet took the oath of office before Parliament, marking the beginning of her term.[32][33]

Her cabinet is formed by a coalition of the Social Democratic Party, Dawn of Nemunas, Farmers and Greens Union and Electoral Action of Poles.[34]

Foreign policy

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Ruginienė meets with Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko in Kyiv, 6 October 2025


Ukraine

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On 29 September 2025, Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė spoke by phone with Ukrainian Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko. Ruginienė said that Lithuania’s support for Ukraine will continue and include not only military and financial aid, but also Humanitarianism|humanitarian help. The two leaders also agreed to meet soon in Kyiv.[35]

Ruginienė alongside her Government delegation visited Kyiv on October 6, 2025, where they met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, and Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Ruslan Stefanchuk.[36]

Personal life

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Inga Ruginienė is married to Vismantas Ruginis, a businessman who manages multiple printing supply companies.[37][38] Her mother, Diana Raitelaitienė, serves as the chair of the Lithuanian Federation of Forest and Wood Workers' Trade Unions.[38] Some of Ruginienė's distant relatives live in Moscow, but she has stated that she does not have much contact with them.[6]

Ruginienė served as a first-aid instructor and volunteer at the Lithuanian Red Cross Society from 2004 to 2016, and served on its board from 2016 to 2019.[3][4] From 2021 to 2023 she served as a member of the council of the Kaunas Forestry and Environmental Engineering College.[3][4]

She speaks fluent Lithuanian, English and Russian.[3][4] Some commentators have noted that Ruginienė speaks Lithuanian with a slight Russian accent. Ruginienė attributes this to having grown up in a bilingual neighborhood of Vilnius and having spent a lot of time in her childhood in the majority Russian-speaking part of Ukraine.[6]

Ruginienė enjoys reading detective novels and has cited The Little Prince as one of her favorite books.[37] Her hobbies include travel and painting.[3][4]

References

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  1. ^ Andrulytė, Toma (6 August 2025). "Paaiškėjo, ką kandidatu į premjerus išrinko LSDP". TV3.lt (in Lithuanian).
  2. ^ Deveikis, Jonas (6 August 2025). "Kiek turto turi Ruginienė ir kokius verslus valdo jos vyras". LRT.lt (in Lithuanian).
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m "2024 parliamentary elections. Candidate biography: Inga RUGINIENĖ" (in Lithuanian). Central Electoral Commission. 2024.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p "Inga Ruginienė". Seimas (in Lithuanian). Retrieved 7 August 2025.
  5. ^ a b c Liubertaitė, Agnė (9 August 2025). "Lrytas apsilankė Grigiškėse, kur augo ir gyvena I. Ruginienė: ką apie ją sako gyventojai?". Lrytas.lt (in Lithuanian).
  6. ^ a b c d Jakučionis, Saulius (7 August 2025). "Lithuanian PM candidate Ruginienė addresses past trips to Russia, family ties to Ukraine". LRT.lt.
  7. ^ Griežė, Dominykas (8 August 2025). "Įdomios I. Ruginienės biografijos detalės: kas buvo jos tėvas ir kokią mokyklą baigė". Alfa.lt (in Lithuanian).
  8. ^ a b Lyberytė, Augustė (15 June 2024). "Profsąjungų vadovė Ruginienė kartu su LSDP kandidatuos į Seimą". LRT.lt (in Lithuanian).
  9. ^ a b Lėka, Aušra (8 August 2025). "LSDP – už nepatyrusią, bet populiarią lyderę". Kauno Diena (in Lithuanian).
  10. ^ Dobrovolskas, Ignas (16 November 2024). "Potencialia ministre įvardijama I. Ruginienė: keturių darbo dienų savaitė – neišvengiama (interviu)". diena.lt (in Lithuanian).
  11. ^ "2024 m. spalio 13 d. Lietuvos Respublikos Seimo rinkimai (I turas)". Central Electoral Commission. 2024.
  12. ^ "Išrinkti Lietuvos Respublikos Seimo nariais 2024–2028" (in Lithuanian). Central Electoral Commission. 2024.
  13. ^ a b "Trade union veteran becomes new Lithuanian PM". Politico Europe.
  14. ^ "Ruginienė: tikiu, kad darbais ir savo pasiryžimu galėsiu nuneigti bet kokias abejones". LRT.lt (in Lithuanian). 5 August 2025.
  15. ^ "Pradžia" (in Lithuanian). Ministry of Social Security and Labour. Archived from the original on 6 August 2025.
  16. ^ Gaidamavičius, Giedrius (13 August 2025). "I. Ruginienė ketina skirti dėmesį socialiniams reikalams, sveikatos paslaugoms, biudžetui". Bernardinai.lt (in Lithuanian).
  17. ^ "Žmogaus teisių komitetas - Komiteto nariai". Seimas (in Lithuanian). Retrieved 7 August 2025.
  18. ^ Jakučionis, Saulius (6 August 2025). "Lithuania's Social Democrats nominate former trade unionist Ruginienė for prime minister". LRT.lt.
  19. ^ "Lithuania appoints pro-Ukraine government". The Straits Times. Agence France-Presse. 25 September 2025. Retrieved 26 September 2025.
  20. ^ Sytas, Andrius (25 September 2025). "Ruginiene becomes Lithuania's prime minister, pledges more defence spending". Reuters. Retrieved 26 September 2025.
  21. ^ "Apžvalgininkas apie Ruginienę: tvirta, laikosi kairesnių socialdemokratinių pozicijų". LRT (in Lithuanian). 7 August 2025.
  22. ^ Konopackienė, Karolina (7 August 2025). "Ruginienė: man tapus premjere, diskusijos Seime dėl partnerystės įteisinimo bus atnaujintos". Delfi (in Lithuanian).
  23. ^ Paulauskaitė, Austėja (28 August 2025). "Ruginienė: sutarimą progresyviais klausimais gali būti sunku rasti ne tik su prezidentu". LRT (in Lithuanian).
  24. ^ "Ruginienė toliau stumia idėją dėl "Ignitis grupės"". LNK (in Lithuanian). 28 August 2025.
  25. ^ "Ruginienė pripažįsta – teks didinti mokesčius: vardija, kurios prekės brangs". TV3 (in Lithuanian). 23 September 2025. Retrieved 26 September 2025.
  26. ^ "PM-nominee Ruginienė says she'll stick to Lithuania's military spending targets". LRT.lt. 7 August 2025.
  27. ^ Stankevičius, Augustas (27 August 2025). "Lithuania 'may not be able to avoid' universal conscription – PM designate". LRT.lt.
  28. ^ "Incoming PM says she has no 'clear position' yet on sending Lithuanian troops to Ukraine". lrt.lt. 27 August 2025.
  29. ^ a b Venckūnas, Vilmantas; Skėrytė, Jūratė (27 August 2025). "Budrys to remain Lithuania's foreign minister, says mending ties with China remains a task". LRT.lt.
  30. ^ Skėrytė, Jūratė (10 September 2025). "Inga Ruginienė: nekalbame apie draugiškus santykius su Kinija". kauno.diena.lt (in Lithuanian).
  31. ^ Jursevičius, Deividas (29 January 2025). "Ruginienė apie tamsiąją migracijos pusę: grėsmė Lietuvai ir nesumokami mokesčiai". LRT.lt (in Lithuanian).
  32. ^ "Prezidentas Seimui teiks Ingos Ruginienės kandidatūrą į Vyriausybės vadovo postą | Naujiena | BNS.lt". bns.lt (in Lithuanian). Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  33. ^ "The 20th Government of the Republic of Lithuania takes office". lrv.lt (in Lithuanian). Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  34. ^ "Šiandien LSDP, LVŽS ir „Nemuno aušra" ketina pasirašyti koalicijos sutartį – 77.lt". 77.lt. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  35. ^ "The Prime Minister's First Bilateral Conversation – with the Head of the Government of Ukraine". lrv.lt (in Lithuanian). Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  36. ^ "Inga Ruginienė lankosi Kyjive, susitiks su Ukrainos prezidentu, premjere ir parlamento vadovu". 15min.lt (in Lithuanian). Retrieved 5 October 2025.
  37. ^ a b "New Social Democrat candidate for prime minister: who is Inga Ruginienė?". LRT.lt. 7 August 2025.
  38. ^ a b "2024 parliamentary elections. Candidate's declared private interests: Inga RUGINIENĖ" (in Lithuanian). Central Electoral Commission. 2024.