Parl approves new PM

VILNIUS - The Seima (Lithuanian parliament) has approved Andrius Kubilius of the Homeland Union-Lithuanian Christian democrats to be the country's new prime minister.

Lawmaker approved the candidate, who was presented by the president on Tuesday, to be the new head of government with 89 votes in favor, 27 against and 18 abstained votes.

The new prime minister has 15 days after the Seimas' approval on the candidacy to present the president-approved government and its program.

Lithuania's 15th Cabinet will commence activity after the Seimas approves the government program and the ministers are sworn in. Ministers are appointed and let go by the president under proposal of the prime minister.

The new Cabinet will be formed by the four-party center-right coalition of the Homeland Union - Lithuanian Christian Democrats, the National Resurrection Party, the Liberal Movement and the Liberal and Center Union.

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VILNIUS, Nov 27, BNS - The Lithuanian Seimas approved on Thursday the Homeland Union - Lithuanian Christian Democrat Party Chairman Andrius Kubilius' candidacy for the prime minister's post.

The resolution for approving Kubilius' candidacy was passed in the Seimas with 89 votes in favor, 27 against and 18 abstained votes.

MPs opted against the proposal to hold a secret ballot, with 30 MPs in favor of a secret vote, 86 against and 15 abstained votes.

The country's Organic Law stipulates that the prime minister is appointed and let go by the president with approval of the Seimas.

Lithuanian President Valdas Adamkus presented Kubilius' candidacy for prime minister to the Seimas on Tuesday.

The new prime minister has 15 days after the Seimas' approval on the candidacy to present the president-approved government and its program.

Lithuania's 15th Cabinet will commence activity after the Seimas approves the government program and the ministers are sworn in. Ministers are appointed and let go by the president under proposal of the prime minister.

The new Cabinet will be formed by the four-party center-right coalition of the Homeland Union - Lithuanian Christian Democrats, the National Resurrection Party, the Liberal Movement and the Liberal and Center Union.