LVŽS leader says dispute with Social Democrats over deputy ministers won’t force coalition exit

The ongoing conflict between the Lithuanian Farmers and Greens Union (LVŽS) and the Social Democratic Party “Nemuno aušra” over deputy minister positions will not lead to the party withdrawing from the ruling coalition, LVŽS leader Aurelijus Veryga said Friday, as reported by ELTA.

Speaking before an LVŽS council meeting, Veryga framed the issue as a matter of trust and fulfilling commitments rather than a fundamental disagreement. “This isn’t a question of such magnitude. It’s more about keeping promises and trust,” he stated. “Coalition means we work together, not individually.”

The dispute centers on unfilled deputy minister roles, with Veryga emphasizing that if one coalition partner fails to honor agreements, LVŽS reserves the right to reinterpret the coalition deal. Earlier this week, LVŽS deputy chair Ligita Girskienė warned that unresolved tensions could prompt the party to reconsider its participation in the government.

Prime Minister Ingrida Ruginienė had proposed appointing LVŽS-affiliated advisors instead of deputy ministers—a compromise Veryga rejected as unequal. “A deputy minister’s authority differs significantly from an advisor’s. The administrative weight and ability to implement policy are not the same,” he explained.

The conflict escalated in January when “Nemuno aušra,” which oversees the Agriculture Ministry, dismissed LVŽS-nominated deputy minister Artūras Pekauskas and advisor Mindaugas Petkevičius. Agriculture Minister Andrius Palionis claimed the departures were voluntary, but Veryga linked them to the Social Democrats’ refusal to appoint an LVŽS deputy minister to the Economy and Innovation Ministry.

Despite the deadlock, Veryga expressed hope for a resolution, urging the Social Democrats to “stop maneuvering and settle this.” He stressed that the coalition’s credibility hinges on adhering to its written agreements.