Lithuanian Defense Minister Dovilė Šakalienė resigns over budget clash

Lithuanian Defense Minister Dovilė Šakalienė has resigned following a disagreement with Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė regarding the defense budget for 2026, which is projected to exceed 5% of the country"s GDP.

The clash over the budget has led to significant political tension within the Lithuanian government. Šakalienė"s resignation marks a notable shift in the defense leadership as the country navigates its fiscal priorities in the context of national security.

This development comes amid broader discussions on defense spending in Europe, particularly in light of ongoing geopolitical challenges. The implications of this resignation and the budgetary dispute are yet to be fully understood.

For related coverage on international security matters, see recent developments in Syria.