Lithuanian opposition to call on State Defence Council over prime minister’s defence plans

The Lithuanian parliamentary opposition will formally request that the State Defence Council (VGT) compel Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė to present the country’s alternative defence plans, known as “Plan B” and “Plan C,” LRT reports.

Laurynas Kasčiūnas, leader of the conservative Homeland Union and deputy chair of the National Security and Defence Committee (NSGK), announced on Thursday that the opposition would submit a written appeal to the VGT following a parliamentary session in which Ruginienė failed to provide details on contingency defence strategies.

“After yesterday’s shocking session, where the prime minister was clearly unprepared, we will propose that the VGT examine these issues thoroughly and present the findings to the National Security Committee,” Kasčiūnas stated. He added that the opposition would also invite the leader of the Liberal Movement to join the initiative, emphasising the need for “strategic thinking beyond the fixed general plan.”

The NSGK had sought clarification on Lithuania’s backup defence plans during a Wednesday meeting, but committee members reported receiving no substantive answers from Ruginienė. Kasčiūnas criticised the lack of preparedness, stating that the prime minister “did not even face an examination” of the plans.

He noted that the VGT, upon receiving the opposition’s letter, could convene an expanded meeting, while the president might summon representatives of parliamentary parties for discussions. “We want the VGT to obligate the government to prepare for all scenarios and, without doubt, to present and defend these plans before the NSGK,” Kasčiūnas said, describing President Gitanas Nausėda as a “true statesman” who should address the issue.

The State Defence Council is Lithuania’s highest strategic body for national security, chaired by the president and including the prime minister, parliamentary speaker, and defence minister.