Lithuanian president calls for coalition changes after defence policy vote

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda has urged the ruling coalition to seek new partners after members of the “Nemuno Aušra” party voted against a key defence bill, LRT reports.

Speaking to TV3 on Wednesday, Nausėda questioned the viability of the current coalition after seven “Nemuno Aušra” lawmakers opposed the Kapčiamestis training ground legislation—a project he described as critical to national security. “When one of the coalition parties allows its members to vote however they please, and the party leader openly votes against, I think the answer is clear. Does this coalition stand for anything? In my view, no,” he said.

The president stressed that alternatives exist, noting that the Social Democratic Party, the largest faction in parliament, “should not delay” in evaluating new partnerships. “There were alternatives before, there are alternatives now, and there will be in the future. The perception that these options weren’t worth considering has changed—now is the time to assess them seriously and make decisions,” he added.

Last week, the Seimas approved the Kapčiamestis bill with 102 votes in favour, 10 against, and 5 abstentions. The seven “Nemuno Aušra” dissenters were joined by three opposition lawmakers from the Farmers and Greens Union in voting against the measure.

Nausėda also addressed rising tensions within NATO, acknowledging that recent conflicts—such as the unexpected war in Iran—have strained alliances. However, he cautioned against overreacting to US President Donald Trump’s suggestions that Washington might withdraw from NATO, calling such rhetoric “strong but not unprecedented.” He noted that past summits, despite pre-meeting disputes, ultimately strengthened the alliance.