Lithuanian Social Democrats urged to decide on coalition future amid ethics violations

The Lithuanian Social Democratic Party (LSDP) must urgently decide whether to continue its coalition with the “Nemuno Aušra” party, veteran social democrat Kęstutis Vilkauskas said Friday, citing repeated ethics violations by its leader, LRT reports.

Vilkauskas pointed to this week’s ruling by the Chief Official Ethics Commission (VTEK), which found that “Nemuno Aušra” chairman Remigijus Žemaitaitis had “grossly violated” the Law on Coordination of Public and Private Interests. “This is just the latest in a series of violations by Mr. Žemaitaitis,” Vilkauskas told ELTA.

“I believe the Social Democrats should make decisions about the coalition as soon as possible. Tolerating such repeated breaches by partners is neither useful for the party’s reputation nor helpful ahead of the upcoming municipal elections,” he said.

Vilkauskas, who has long opposed the alliance, reiterated his stance that the coalition should have been formed without “Nemuno Aušra” from the start. He suggested replacing them with the Democratic Union “For Lithuania,” despite its recent leadership struggles. “There are experienced people there who could work constructively with us,” he said.

Pressure on the LSDP has grown after six overseas Lithuanian communities called for “Nemuno Aušra” to be removed from leading the Seimas Committee for State and Diaspora Affairs. “The global Lithuanian community rarely intervenes in politics, but their appeal underscores the need for change,” Vilkauskas noted.

The LSDP will elect permanent leadership—including a new chair—at its congress on Friday, where potential coalition shifts may also be discussed. Acting chair Mindaugas Sinkevičius previously stated that the party’s future coalition strategy would become clearer after the leadership vote.

Tensions within the ruling majority—comprising the LSDP, “Nemuno Aušra,” and the Farmers and Greens Union—have flared repeatedly, most recently over a divisive vote on the Kapčiamiestis polygon project. While Žemaitaitis has dismissed fears of coalition collapse, some LSDP members have openly criticized the partnership. Minimal talks with the Democratic Union “For Lithuania” have been ongoing for months, according to both sides.