Lithuanian coalition partners downplay tensions after smaller party opposes military training ground bill

The smaller coalition partner Nemuno Aušra (Nemunas Dawn) remains unfazed by criticism after its members refused to back a controversial bill proposing a military training ground in Kapčiamestis, with party leaders calling coalition discussions on the matter “a normal process,” LRT.lt reports.

Only two of the party’s lawmakers—Seimas Vice Speaker Raimondas Šukys and MP Dainoras Bradauskas—supported the bill’s submission to parliament on Tuesday. The proposal advanced only due to opposition backing, as both Nemuno Aušra and parts of the larger coalition partners, the Lithuanian Farmers and Greens Union and the Christian Families Union, largely opposed it.

Robertas Puchovičius, one of the party’s leaders, dismissed concerns on Thursday, stating: “This is normal. Whether it’s the training ground issue or another matter, when partners vote against bringing a proposal to the coalition council, that’s a standard procedure. We’ll address questions when they arise.”

The Kapčiamestis training ground project has sparked widespread debate, with land ownership disputes and local resistance complicating its progress. Coalition partners have signaled plans to clarify their positions in upcoming coalition council meetings.