Lithuanian opposition expects ruling coalition to seek their support after social democrat reshuffle

The Lithuanian opposition has described the Social Democratic Party’s (LSDP) decision to remove the “Nemuno aušra” (Nemunas Dawn) faction from the ruling coalition and invite the Democrats as belated but correct, though they warn the government may now need opposition backing more frequently, *LRT* reports.

Laurynas Kasčiūnas, leader of the conservative Homeland Union–Lithuanian Christian Democrats, called the move “positive for the state” but noted the ruling majority—now reduced to 75 seats—will likely have to rely on opposition votes more often. “It’s clear the number of votes will be smaller, meaning they may need to lean on and negotiate with the opposition more,” he told BNS.

Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen, chair of the Liberal Movement, argued the government will find it easier to secure support on key issues without “Nemuno aušra” in the coalition. However, she labeled the remaining coalition partner—the Lithuanian Farmers and Greens Union (LVŽS)—as an “opposition in position,” often at odds with social democrat initiatives, particularly on defense and security matters. “This faction fundamentally opposes all defense and security-related issues. They’ve removed one such partner but kept another,” she said.

Čmilytė-Nielsen also criticized the coalition’s retention of Prime Minister Ingrida Ruginienė, calling her appointment a “serious mistake” and questioning her competence. “Social democrats made two major errors: inviting ‘Nemuno aušra’ into the coalition twice, which they’ve now corrected, and appointing Ruginienė as prime minister. Her lack of competence is evident in every crisis she’s faced,” she said.

Kasčiūnas called the current coalition setup “phenomenal,” noting that both the LVŽS leader Aurelijus Veryga and Democratic Party leader Virginijus Sinkevičius work from Brussels, while LSDP chair Mindaugas Sinkevičius leads the party from his mayoral post in Jonava. He urged Sinkevičius to take on the role of prime minister to resolve the situation.

The LSDP has not yet clarified whether the coalition reshuffle will affect the position of prime minister. The ruling majority currently holds 80 seats in the 141-member Seimas.