Lithuanian president welcomes social democrats’ decision to leave ruling coalition

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda has praised the Social Democratic Party of Lithuania (LSDP) for its decision to end its coalition partnership with the Nemuno aušra party, state news agency ELTA reported on Friday.

In comments conveyed by his chief advisor, Frederikas Jansonas, Nausėda called the move “long overdue,” citing concerns over Nemuno aušra leader Remigijus Žemaitaitis’ rhetoric, financial transparency issues, and the party’s “non-constructive stance” on critical national security legislation.

“Coalition partners may differ on many issues, but when they share no common ground—not even on fundamental domestic and foreign policy—it becomes a problem,” the president said.

Nausėda expressed hope that the government reshuffle would proceed swiftly, allowing focus on “urgent challenges that need solutions today, not tomorrow or the day after.” He added that he stood ready to work constructively with the new majority.

The LSDP announced on Saturday that it would terminate its coalition agreement with Nemuno aušra, arguing that Žemaitaitis’ public statements, political conduct, and the party’s divisive approach had undermined trust and governance stability. The current coalition—comprising the LSDP, Nemuno aušra, and the Lithuanian Farmers and Greens Union—was formed last summer after then-Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas resigned.

Tensions escalated earlier this year when coalition partners failed to back the establishment of a military training ground in Kapčiamestis. Criticism of the partnership with Nemuno aušra had grown within LSDP ranks, echoed by Nausėda, particularly after financial crime investigators raided Žemaitaitis’ offices and party headquarters last month.