Lithuanian Social Democrats re-elect Sinkevičius as leader, coalition decision expected within a month

The Lithuanian Social Democratic Party (LSDP) has re-elected Mindaugas Sinkevičius as its leader, with a final decision on the party’s troubled coalition with the “Nemuno aušra” party expected by the end of May, LRT.lt reports.

Sinkevičius, who ran unopposed after Alytaus Mayor Nerijus Cesiulis withdrew his candidacy, stated that the party aims to resolve the coalition question “one way or another” within the next month. “From today, we have a month to make a decision, because we—and society—are tired,” he told journalists at the party’s 130th anniversary congress in Jonava.

A final ruling will be made at an upcoming LSDP council meeting in late May, Sinkevičius confirmed. While he declined to directly assess the current coalition’s performance, he acknowledged the situation was “not one-sidedly easy.”

Criticism of the alliance with Remigijus Žemaitaitis’ “Nemuno aušra” has grown within LSDP ranks, particularly after some faction members voted against the Kapčiamiesčio polygon project. Cesiulis, a vocal opponent, accused Žemaitaitis of “mocking the nation and our party,” though he suggested the desire to retain government positions may be prolonging the partnership.

The congress also approved statutory changes tying the LSDP leader’s term to parliamentary elections and named MEP Vilija Blinkevičiūtė as honorary party chair.