Lithuanian president warns of swift reaction if coalition partner continues to oppose military training ground

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda has stated that a rapid response will be necessary if the “Nemuno Aušra” (“Dawn of Nemunas”) party continues to oppose the establishment of a military training ground in Kapčiamiestis, public broadcaster LRT reports.

Speaking on Tuesday, Nausėda said that if the party’s scepticism persists during the second parliamentary vote on the issue, “the reaction should be quite swift.” He warned that failure to act would signal unsuccessful negotiations or a willingness to tolerate ongoing disagreement until the end of the government’s term.

“The vote on the Kapčiamiestis training ground is highly significant,” the president emphasised. “Some may try to downplay its importance, but I believe it serves as a litmus test revealing the attitude toward national security.”

Nausėda argued that a governing coalition unable to unite behind a project critical to state security “makes no sense,” adding that he fails to understand its purpose or priorities. He noted that while the current coalition initially formed for numerical strength, recent divisions—particularly over the 2026 budget—have exposed its fragility.

The president also acknowledged that the coalition’s stability had previously relied on the personal relationship between then-Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas and “Nemuno Aušra” leader Remigijus Žemaitaitis. With that dynamic now absent, Nausėda suggested the grounds for reassessing the ruling majority have emerged.

“Consultations are certainly underway,” he said, clarifying that his role is not to artificially broker alliances but to observe as the Social Democratic Party evaluates its options. He noted public dissatisfaction with the coalition’s performance may influence their decision.

Nausėda further linked Wednesday’s planned protest against proposed amendments to Lithuania’s national broadcaster, LRT, to broader discontent with the current government’s composition. “I doubt anyone at the protest would argue this coalition is a positive force,” he remarked.

The ruling coalition currently holds 80 of 141 seats in the Seimas, comprising the Social Democratic Party, “Nemuno Aušra,” and the Lithuanian Farmers, Greens, and Christian Families Union. Without “Nemuno Aušra,” the government would lose its clear majority, retaining only 62 seats.