LVŽS leader says ruling coalition is neither satisfied nor dissatisfied but remains stable

The ruling coalition in Lithuania is neither fully satisfied nor dissatisfied with its performance but remains stable for now, Aurelijus Veryga, leader of the Lithuanian Farmers and Greens Union (LVŽS), told LRT Radio on Friday.

“Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied. There are areas where we are satisfied, decisions we like, but also things we dislike—such as dealing with external issues. It would be better not to,” Veryga said. “But we understand that this is the nature of politics. We can’t pick and choose everything, since we were the ones invited into this coalition.”

He acknowledged tensions within the coalition but stressed that it remains “fairly stable” despite occasional disagreements. “There are objective factors at play—our upcoming EU Council presidency means any leadership changes in ministries would bring risks,” he said. “And as elections approach, political rhetoric will inevitably intensify.”

Veryga noted that while LVŽS does not always align with its coalition partners—particularly the Social Democrats and the “Nemuno aušra” (Dawn of Nemunas) faction—remaining in government allows the party to implement its campaign promises. “We knew there would be challenges with some partners, but staying in power means having the authority to act,” he said. “The alternative is sitting in opposition for multiple terms, which sends voters the message that their elected representatives are doing nothing.”

Tensions in the coalition escalated after some partners opposed the establishment of a military training ground in Kapčiamestis. Social Democrat leader Vilija Blinkevičiūtė has yet to clarify her position on the coalition’s future, promising an assessment soon. Meanwhile, President Gitanas Nausėda has criticised “Nemuno aušra” following raids by the Financial Crime Investigation Service (FNTT) on the party’s leadership, stating that such investigations help “clear politics of what shouldn’t be there.”

The current ruling majority consists of the Social Democrats, “Nemuno aušra,” and the LVŽS faction, which includes the Christian Families Alliance.