LVŽS leader expects growth in Seimas faction with talks underway

The leader of the Lithuanian Farmers and Greens Union (LVŽS), Aurelijus Veryga, has expressed hope that the party’s faction in the Seimas will grow before the end of the current term, with discussions already underway with at least two lawmakers, LRT.lt reports.

“I would like to believe that some of those who left—whether from the faction or the party—might reconsider returning,” Veryga told the Lithuanian news agency ELTA. He acknowledged that political consistency benefits both voters and politicians, adding: “We are in talks with more than one lawmaker, but whether it succeeds depends on many circumstances.”

Veryga declined to specify which Seimas members are being approached, though he confirmed discussions involve at least two individuals. The LVŽS faction currently has nine members after Ignas Vėgėlė and Rimas Jonas Jankūnas left in April to join the Mixed Group of Seimas Members.

While the party is not actively recruiting members of the Democratic Union “For Lithuania” (DSVL), Veryga stated that the door remains open for those who regret leaving. “We tell them, between the lines and directly, that for those who feel they made a mistake, the door is open,” he said. He criticised former allies who left acrimoniously, calling their behaviour “incomprehensible,” and accused DSVL of aggressive tactics to poach LVŽS members with promises that later proved hollow.

Veryga suggested that few former DSVL members have expressed interest in returning, noting: “There are one or two, but no mass movement—perhaps more in the regions than in the Seimas.” His comments came as DSVL lawmaker Vilija Targamadzė announced her departure from the party and faction on Thursday, joining the Social Democrats in parliament.

Looking ahead to next year’s municipal elections, Veryga confirmed that LVŽS has been preparing for months, with a dedicated team led by Ligita Girskienė working on campaign strategy and policy platforms.