Lithuania’s Social Democrats vote to remove Nemuno Aušra from coalition, open talks with Democrats

The Lithuanian Social Democratic Party (LSDP) has voted to end its governing coalition with the Nemuno Aušra party and begin negotiations with the Democrats “For Lithuania” party to form a new majority, LRT reports.

Party leader Mindaugas Sinkevičius formally proposed the move during a meeting of the LSDP council in Vilnius on Saturday. The council approved the decision, according to party spokesman Andrius Grumadas.

“The chairman presented his promised three options. As the newly confirmed leader, he has officially submitted his main proposal: to terminate the coalition agreement with Nemuno Aušra and open the possibility of discussions and negotiations with the Democrats ‘For Lithuania’ party,” LSDP council member R. Duchnevičius told LRT Radio.

The shift follows months of internal debate over whether the Social Democrats should remain in coalition with Remigijus Žemaitaitis’ Nemuno Aušra. Critics within the LSDP have questioned the alliance, citing Žemaitaitis’ repeated public criticism of Social Democratic ministers and his past conviction for antisemitism in a first-instance court.

Sinkevičius had previously outlined three potential scenarios for the party’s future, though he dismissed speculation about replacing Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė, stating “definitely not” when asked. Former party leader Vilija Blinkevičiūtė said the LSDP was “ready for anything” but declined to comment on a potential new prime minister.

The current ruling coalition—comprising the Social Democrats, Nemuno Aušra, and the Farmers and Greens Union—holds 80 seats in the 141-member Seimas. The Democrats “For Lithuania” had been part of the original post-2024 election coalition but were replaced last autumn by the Farmers and Greens.

Analysts suggest the move may aim to improve the Social Democrats’ public image ahead of next year’s municipal elections. Seimas Speaker Juozas Olekas had earlier stated he saw “no reason” to change the coalition, though he acknowledged the final decision would rest with Saturday’s meeting.