Lithuanian Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas awarded FEPS ‘Progressive Person of the Year’

Gintautas Paluckas, the Lithuanian Prime Minister, received the Progressive Person of the Year 2024-2025 award from the Foundation for European Progressive Studies (FEPS) on Wednesday, 29 January 2025.

This distinction was awarded for his notable achievements in strengthening social democratic values not only in Lithuania but across the entire European region. Paluckas’ election as the head of the national government is an important event for the entire European progressive community. His success in strengthening the Social Democratic Party of Lithuania and achieving an electoral victory that enabled the formation of the government demonstrates that the revival of centre-left political forces is possible throughout Europe.

“This is both a collective and an individual achievement, which should inspire progressive activists and organisations not only in the Baltic and Central and Eastern European region, but across Europe,” highlighted FEPS Secretary General, László Andor.

Prime Minister Paluckas’s personal qualities — determination and competence — were key criteria in selecting him for this distinguished title.

The award ceremony occurred during the launch of the sixth edition of the Progressive Yearbook. The Progressive Yearbook focuses on transversal European issues that have left a mark on 2024 and brings insightful future-looking analyses for progressive politics in 2025 with expert contributions from politicians, academics and analysts. 

FEPS awards the title of Progressive Person of the Year to social democratic leaders who contributed to the most important progressive policy initiatives of the past year. Previous recipients include Frans Timmermans, Sanna Marin, Roberto Gualtieri and Teresa Ribera.

Read the interview with Gintautas Paluckas, included in the Progressive Yearbook.

The video of the award ceremony will soon be available!