Lithuanian ruling coalition remains stable despite tensions, says parliament speaker

The current ruling coalition in Lithuania continues to function and make necessary decisions despite internal disagreements, Seimas Speaker Juozas Olekas said Wednesday, downplaying speculation about potential changes to its composition.

Speaking to Žinių Radijas, Olekas acknowledged that while the coalition “may quarrel,” it remains capable of adopting key decisions. “So far, this coalition, though it may argue, is taking the necessary decisions,” he stated, adding that discussions on broader cooperation or additional support for specific issues remain ongoing.

“Everyone who joins a coalition brings certain demands. Raising those demands means you have to compromise on parts of your own program to address the issues they want to resolve,” Olekas explained, emphasizing the give-and-take nature of coalition politics.

His comments follow reports that the Social Democratic Party of Lithuania (LSDP) plans to discuss a potential coalition with the opposition Democratic Union “For Lithuania” this week. Tensions resurfaced after some members of the “Nemuno Aušra” faction voted against a bill to establish the Kapčiamestis military training ground, a move that contradicted the coalition’s stance.

The current governing majority—comprising the LSDP, “Nemuno Aušra,” and the Lithuanian Farmers and Greens Union—holds 80 seats in the 141-member Seimas. Without “Nemuno Aušra,” the coalition would lose its clear majority, dropping to 62 seats. This has fueled speculation that the Democrats could replace “Nemuno Aušra” in the alliance.

LSDP leader Mindaugas Sinkevičius is expected to present his party’s vision for the coalition’s future at a meeting on Thursday.