Lithuania’s ruling Social Democrats to decide on coalition future with Nemuno Aušra

Lithuania’s governing Social Democratic Party (LSDP) will meet on Saturday to determine whether to continue its coalition with the Nemuno Aušra party, LRT.lt reports. The decision could reshape the current government, with speculation including potential changes to cabinet ministers or even Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė’s position.

Party leader Mindaugas Sinkevičius has proposed three possible scenarios to the LSDP council, though details remain undisclosed. While some Social Democrats, including Seimas Speaker Juozas Olekas, have publicly backed maintaining the coalition, critics—both within the party and in opposition—question its viability. Opposition liberals and conservatives claim the government may seek to replace Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys, though Ruginienė has expressed confidence in him.

The timing of any reshuffle remains unclear, as summer and the end of the parliamentary session complicate immediate changes. Observers suggest the Social Democrats may aim to rebuild public trust ahead of next year’s municipal elections.

Nemuno Aušra, led by Ramūnas Žemaitaitis, has been a contentious coalition partner since joining the government. Earlier this week, conservative MP Aušrinė Armonaitė argued that the party’s presence in power benefits all Seimas factions—a claim that underscores the political tensions surrounding the alliance.