Social Democrats to challenge coalition partners over vote against military training ground

The Lithuanian Social Democratic Party (LSDP) will raise concerns in its leadership meeting over the voting record of its coalition partners from the “Nemuno Aušra” (Dawn of Nemunas) faction, who largely opposed a bill to establish a military training ground in Kapčiamestis, reported LRT.

Robertas Duchnevičius, deputy chairman of the LSDP, told the Baltic News Service (BNS) he was dissatisfied with the faction’s stance and would bring the issue before the party’s presidium, which meets remotely on Wednesday evening.

“We saw the votes, and it’s not acceptable,” Duchnevičius said. “When we have larger formats, the presidium must address this—I think I won’t be the only one raising it. It raises questions.”

On Tuesday, 102 MPs voted in favor of the Kapčiamestis military training ground and exercise area bill, with 10 against and five abstentions. Among the “Nemuno Aušra” faction, seven voted against, four abstained, two supported, and five did not participate.

Duchnevičius accused the faction of seeking political gains and engaging in “clever communication games” on the issue. “This question is evaluated differently; it can be used to mislead people. When we vote unanimously, we absorb all the negativity, while others gain political dividends—that’s abnormal,” he said.

Alytus Mayor Nerijus Cesiulis, also an LSDP member, suggested the faction’s position could jeopardize its place in the coalition. “We heard they would support the training ground, but abstaining is the same as not supporting—you need ‘yes’ votes,” he said. “If partners don’t back us on key issues, what’s the point of having them?”

The bill will next be reviewed by the Seimas National Security and Defence Committee before returning to the main chamber on April 14. The Defence Ministry argues the 14,600-hectare site near the Suwałki Gap is critical for strengthening Lithuania’s defence capabilities, accommodating 3,500–4,000 troops for exercises.