Lithuania’s ruling social democrats prepare to discuss coalition with Democrats party

Lithuania’s governing Social Democratic Party (LSDP) is set to discuss a potential coalition with the opposition Democratic Union “For Lithuania” this week, 15min.lt reported Tuesday, citing party vice chair Rasa Budbergytė.

Budbergytė confirmed that the party will evaluate options to either continue its current alliance with the “Nemunas Dawn” party or begin formal negotiations with the Democrats. She noted that a key obstacle in past cooperation with the Democrats had been former leader Saulius Skvernelis, whose membership was suspended amid corruption allegations in a state plant breeding service case.

“Now that Skvernelis’ influence as party leader has been removed, I believe cooperation with the Democratic Union could be far more constructive than with ‘Nemunas Dawn,'” Budbergytė said.

According to 15min.lt, preliminary talks between the social democrats and Democrats took place even before Skvernelis faced charges, covering policy alignment and potential cabinet positions. Party leader Mindaugas Sinkevičius is expected to present both coalition options—along with risk assessments—to the party council on Thursday.

Recent tensions arose after “Nemunas Dawn” lawmakers opposed the establishment of a military training ground in Kapčiamiestis, reigniting coalition discussions. The current ruling majority, formed after the 2024 elections, initially included the Democrats but later replaced them with the Lithuanian Farmers and Greens Union and the Christian Families Alliance.

Farmers and Greens leader Aurelijus Veryga stated he remains open to all coalition scenarios, including a return of the Democrats, but stressed that the social democrats, as the largest coalition party, must lead any decision. “We’ve been asked how we’d react to changes—our answer is simple: the council would assess any conditions if they arise,” Veryga told Žinių Radijas.