Lithuanian coalition partners divided over Sinkevičius’ call for cross-party demographic agreement

Lithuania’s ruling coalition partners have reacted differently to a proposal by Social Democrat leader Mindaugas Sinkevičius for political parties to sign a joint agreement on measures to tackle the country’s demographic crisis, LRT reports.

Aurelijus Veryga, chairman of the Lithuanian Farmers and Greens Union (LVŽS), backed the idea, calling demographic decline a “serious problem” comparable in importance to national defence. “We really need a shared agreement, a shared vision,” he told ELTA, adding that even parties with differing views could find common ground on issues like pensions, healthcare, and childcare.

But Remigijus Žemaitaitis, leader of the conservative Nemuno Aušra faction, argued that demographic policies could be implemented without additional agreements. While his party would support the initiative—on the condition it includes restrictions on abortion (except in cases of rape or criminal violence) and limits assisted reproduction to married or registered opposite-sex couples—he questioned the practical impact of such pacts. “We already have many agreements in education and other areas. The real question is whether we’ll follow through,” he said.

Sinkevičius had earlier framed demographic decline as an “existential” issue for the state, suggesting parties should negotiate a binding accord similar to past security and defence agreements. “Colleagues say we need to renew the party agreement on security. Fine, that’s usually a conservative initiative. But let’s also agree on what we’re doing about this existential demographic situation,” he told ELTA.

Opposition leaders have reportedly responded positively to the proposal.