Lithuanian MP rejects claim that parliament must follow defence council’s will on military training ground

A senior coalition lawmaker has dismissed suggestions that Lithuania’s parliament is obligated to approve legislation for a controversial military training ground in Kapčiamestis simply because the National Defence Council (VGT) supports it, LRT.lt reports.

Dainius Gaižauskas, a member of the ruling Farmers and Greens Union, stated that the council’s decision “only forms a position” but does not bind the Seimas. “The final word belongs solely to parliament,” he said during a meeting of the National Security and Defence Committee (NSGK).

Gaižauskas argued that claims the law “must be passed” undermine the Seimas as the primary institution. “We are a parliamentary state—we do not execute the will of the VGT or the Ministry of Defence when drafting laws,” he said. “That has never happened and never will.”

Three committee members—Tomas Martinaitis (Social Democrats), Arvydas Pocius (Homeland Union), and Gaižauskas—are reviewing the draft law. Pocius, a former armed forces chief, noted that past training grounds were established without major disputes, urging calm. “There are two sides: one represents state interests, the other private property owners. Emotions should be avoided,” he said.

Deputy Defence Minister Bronius Bieliauskas defended the Kapčiamestis site, citing evaluations of seven potential locations. The chosen area in Lazdijai district met key criteria: state-owned land, low population density, strategic geography, and no airspace restrictions. “No better alternative exists in Lithuania today,” he said, adding that troops should train where they may need to defend.

The VGT proposed the Kapčiamestis site late last year to strengthen defence near the Suwałki Gap, Lithuania’s border with Poland. The draft law passed its first parliamentary reading last week with 102 votes in favour, 10 against, and 6 abstentions. Opposition came from seven members of the ruling “Nemuno Aušra” faction, including leader Remigijus Žemaitaitis, and three Farmers and Greens MPs. The committee will debate the bill further, with a plenary vote expected on April 14.