Lithuanian MP Linas Urmanavičius to leave Democrats’ faction, join Mixed Group

Linas Urmanavičius, a member of the Lithuanian parliament elected with the Democrats “For Lithuania” party, plans to leave the party’s faction and join the Seimas Mixed Group, LRT reports.

The lawmaker confirmed his decision to the ELTA news agency, stating he had long signaled the possibility. “I haven’t made a final decision yet, but I’ve been saying for a while that this could happen,” Urmanavičius said.

Explaining his reasons, he noted he is not a member of the Democrats “For Lithuania” party itself but rather its affiliated political committee, “For Druskininkai.” With local elections approaching, he intends to support this committee’s activities. “The election period is beginning, and I simply cannot work for ‘For Lithuania’ in my region,” he said.

Urmanavičius also cited frequent disagreements with the faction’s positions. “If you look at my voting record, it often differs from the Democrats’ faction,” he said, adding that while free votes are permitted, he believes parties should present unified stances. “I focus more on substance rather than just opposing or supporting for the sake of it.”

Elected in 2024 from the single-member Jotvingiai constituency, Urmanavičius previously belonged to the Social Democratic Party from 2009 to 2015. Between 2022 and 2024, he served as an advisor to Druskininkai Mayor Ričardas Malinauskas.