Lithuanian Social Democrats Debate Coalition Future

Lithuania’s governing coalition is set to continue despite growing tensions between its partners over plans for a new military training ground in Kapčiamiestis, party leaders have said on Tuesday.

The vote that exposed the rift occurred on March 24, when the Seimas approved the establishment of the Kapčiamiestis training ground in the Lazdijai district at its first reading, with 102 votes in favour, 10 against and 6 abstentions. The measure passed only with opposition support. All votes against came from within the ruling majority – including 7 lawmakers from Nemunas Dawn, including party leader Remigijus Žemaitaitis and 3 members of the Farmers, Greens and Christian Families Union.

Lithuania’s Social Democratic Party leader Mindaugas Sinkevičius has acknowledged that the coalition with Nemunas Dawn is damaging his party’s reputation – but said there are currently no viable alternatives. “We understand clearly, as we are not political newcomers, that there is a certain reputational burden arising from situations and events, and it weighs on us, undoubtedly so,” Sinkevičius told public broadcaster LRT on Wednesday.

Sinkevičius called the result unacceptable, accusing coalition partners of breaching a formal agreement reached in January. “It was recorded in the minutes, very clearly written down. Say it is nothing,” he said, adding that the party would collectively assess whether such behaviour was acceptable.

Sinkevičius promised to discuss a formal assessment of the situation within the Lithuania’s Social Democratic Party council later this month.