Lithuania’s ruling coalition faces uncertainty as president pushes for reshuffle

Lithuania’s governing coalition of Social Democrats, the liberal *Nemuno Aušra* party, and the Farmers and Greens Union appears increasingly unstable, with President Gitanas Nausėda urging a realignment that excludes *Nemuno Aušra*, **LRT** reports.

Nausėda has repeatedly called on the Social Democrats to reconsider their partnership with *Nemuno Aušra*, led by Remigijus Žemaitaitis, whose confrontational approach has strained relations. The president’s proposal would replace *Nemuno Aušra* with the centre-right Democratic Union “For Lithuania,” though analysts suggest the move carries risks for all sides.

Žemaitaitis has openly defied coalition partners, most notably in a recent vote on the Kapčiamiesčio military training ground, where he dismissed compromise attempts. His growing radicalism—described by one observer as “escalating further”—has raised concerns, particularly as elections approach and his rivalry with far-right figures like Ignas Vėgėlė intensifies.

For the Social Democrats, however, switching allies offers little clear benefit. Party insiders admit deep frustration with *Nemuno Aušra* but doubt the Democratic Union would ease governance. “It’s not like we’re holding a bad hand now and swapping it for gold,” one source said. Others warn that pushing *Nemuno Aušra* into opposition could make Žemaitaitis an even more vocal critic, complicating the Social Democrats’ position further.

The party’s council, meeting on April 16, will weigh the decision, with leader Mindaugas Sinkevičius’ stance likely decisive. While Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė reportedly favours a reshuffle, she lacks unilateral authority. Meanwhile, the Democratic Union—weakened by recent legal troubles involving its chairman, Saulius Skvernelis—has signalled openness to coalition talks but stopped short of aggressive lobbying.

Analysts note the timing may favour change, with Nausėda arguing that current conditions are “ideal for negotiations.” Yet without firm Social Democrat commitment, the coalition’s future remains in doubt.