Lithuanian opposition welcomes Sinkevičius proposal for cross-party demographic agreement

Lithuania’s opposition parties have responded positively to a proposal by Social Democratic Party (LSDP) leader Mindaugas Sinkevičius for a cross-party agreement on measures to address the country’s demographic crisis, though some stress that defence policy should also remain a priority for consensus, LRT reports.

Laurynas Kasčiūnas, chairman of the conservative Homeland Union–Lithuanian Christian Democrats (TS-LKD), called the idea “positive” and identified demography alongside national defence as the two “state-level challenges” where long-term political commitments are needed. “All decisions we might agree on today will only yield results for birth rates and family support in a few years—this issue transcends election cycles,” he told ELTA.

Kasčiūnas added that TS-LKD is already preparing analytical materials on demographic policy and urged Sinkevičius to revive stalled talks on a cross-party defence agreement. “We would eagerly reciprocate his demographic proposal if he revived our defence initiative. These two themes could advance together,” he said.

Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen, leader of the Liberal Movement, also welcomed the proposal, framing it as an opportunity to separate “populist distractions” (such as recent debates over nightclubs) from substantive long-term policies. “A broad-format discussion would be useful. Whether it leads to concrete decisions remains to be seen,” she said, confirming her party would participate if invited. She noted past cross-party support in parliament for Liberal initiatives on work-family balance, signalling potential common ground.

Čmilytė-Nielsen likewise emphasised that defence consensus should not be sidelined: “We’ve pushed for defence talks since the start of this term, but the Social Democrats showed no interest. We must return to it.”

Virginijus Sinkevičius of the Democratic Union “For Lithuania” argued that parties should have united on demography “long ago,” but criticised the current government for proposing “frantic resolutions” rather than actionable policies. He cited his party’s rejected parliamentary proposals—such as extending unused parental leave and increasing childbirth benefits—to illustrate the gap between rhetoric and implementation. “We’re ready, but any invitation to the table must include a commitment to act on what we agree,” he said.

Sinkevičius’s original remarks, reported earlier by LRT, suggested that political forces could draft a joint agreement on demographic measures, though no formal proposal has yet been tabled.