Coalition partner accuses “Vardan Lietuvos” of lacking morals after leader’s legal immunity stripped

The “Vardan Lietuvos” (In the Name of Lithuania) party has neither morals nor principles, having abandoned its own leader, Saulius Skvernelis, after his legal immunity was revoked, Remigijus Žemaitaitis, leader of the “Nemuno Aušra” (Dawn of Nemunas) party, said in an interview with LRT Television’s Dienos Tema on Thursday.

Žemaitaitis criticised the ruling coalition’s internal tensions, insisting that despite disagreements, the alliance—comprising the Social Democrats, “Nemuno Aušra,” the Farmers and Greens Union, and “Vardan Lietuvos”—must hold for the full four-year term. “This coalition will work for all four years,” he stated, dismissing speculation about its collapse as “political games” fuelled by the opposition and commentators.

Aušrinė Norkienė, vice-chair of the Farmers and Greens Union, acknowledged unresolved disputes over posts and decisions but stressed that coalition agreements were largely being fulfilled. She warned against destabilising the government amid looming crises, including Lithuania’s upcoming EU Council presidency and energy challenges.

Žemaitaitis rejected claims that the coalition had violated its pact over issues like the Kapčiamiestis military training ground, arguing that no specific commitments on the matter were documented. He accused the Social Democrats of wavering under opposition pressure, urging them to demonstrate resolve.

The coalition’s future remains uncertain as partners clash over policy and ethics, including divisive social issues such as same-sex partnership recognition and assisted reproduction.