Lithuanian opposition leader proposes parliamentary vote instead of referendum on nuclear weapons

Liberal Movement leader Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen has questioned whether Lithuania needs a referendum on hosting nuclear weapons, suggesting a parliamentary vote to amend the constitution would suffice, national broadcaster LRT reports.

Speaking on Žinių Radijas on Friday, Čmilytė-Nielsen argued that a broad political consensus—requiring 94 votes in the 141-seat Seimas—would be necessary to alter Article 137 of the constitution, which currently prohibits mass destruction weapons on Lithuanian territory. “This isn’t a question the ruling coalition or part of the opposition can resolve alone,” she said. “We need the kind of broad security policy agreement Lithuania has historically relied on.”

She stressed the urgency of a decision, calling the issue “highly relevant” and warning against prolonged debate. “We need to supplement our national defence agreement with constitutional changes on nuclear weapons,” she said, urging political parties to agree on a shortlist of essential defence measures to avoid months of parliamentary deadlock.

Čmilytė-Nielsen also noted that France’s proposal for a European nuclear deterrence framework—allowing temporary deployment of French strategic forces in partner countries—had intensified discussions. The topic resurfaced after President Gitanas Nausėda vetoed a port law amendment in Klaipėda, citing risks it could permit nuclear-armed ships to dock, which the Seimas later overrode.

Former defence minister Dovilė Šakalienė raised the possibility of constitutional changes last year, contingent on allied offers to station nuclear capabilities in Lithuania. Current Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas has previously stated Lithuania relies on US-deterrence guarantees.