Lithuania’s Democratic Union ‘For Lithuania’ to elect new leader in July

The Democratic Union ‘For Lithuania’ will hold a general congress in July to elect a new leadership team and outline its political direction ahead of upcoming elections, the party announced on Wednesday, LRT reports.

The congress will mark “a new stage” for the party, with delegates voting for a new chairperson, deputies, and governing board, according to a statement. A resolution will also be adopted to redefine the party’s democratic identity, policy priorities, and strategy for the next political cycle.

Organisational strengthening, community engagement, and preparations for the 2027 municipal elections and other upcoming votes will be key topics on the agenda, the party said.

In April, European Parliament member Virginijus Sinkevičius was appointed interim chair after former leader Saulius Skvernelis suspended his membership amid corruption allegations. Skvernelis, who led the party since its founding in 2022, faces bribery accusations in an ongoing investigation by Lithuania’s State Plant Service.

Sinkevičius described the congress as “an opportunity to set a clear direction for the 2027 municipal elections,” emphasising the need to “strengthen regions, encourage initiatives, and involve community leaders and professionals.” He added that Lithuania “needs unifying politics,” a principle the party aims to formalise during the event.

The Democratic Union ‘For Lithuania’ currently holds 14 seats in the Seimas (parliament) and claims nearly 4,000 members nationwide.