The Lithuanian Parliament's autumn session began on Wednesday, 10 September, with Social Democratic Prime Minister-designate Inga Ruginienė presenting the new Government's programme. The incoming head of Government assured lawmakers that the preceding Cabinet's work would be continued.
Ruginienė stressed that her goal was to return stability to the country and to unite the political community and the society in order to solve key challenges.
The prime minister-designate said that her Cabinet would focus on "ensuring national security and social stability". She added that family policies must be enhanced in the face of poor demographic indicators.
Moreover, the incoming Government is committed to spend at least 5% of Lithuania's gross domestic product (GDP) on defence, as well as to strengthen external NATO and EU border security and defence in cooperation with Nordic and Baltic countries, and Poland.
As regards the economy, the Government plans to suspend the hike of excise duties on diesel fuel, to impose a new "financial stability tax" on banks, to raise funding for road maintenance, to review limits on cash payments and to continue developing renewable energy.