Public dissatisfaction with Lithuanian government rises by 6% in latest poll

A new public opinion survey shows a 6% increase in Lithuanians who negatively assess the government’s performance, with nearly 40% now holding an unfavourable view, LRT reports, citing data from a May poll conducted by research firm Spinter Tyrimai for news outlet Delfi.

According to the findings, 39.6% of respondents rated Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė’s government negatively in May, up from 33.5% in April. Those with a “somewhat negative” view fell to 34.6% from 40.7% over the same period. Only 2.1% expressed a strongly positive opinion, a slight rise from 1.5% in April, while 14.6% held a “somewhat positive” view, down from 16%. Another 9.1% were undecided or declined to answer.

Opposition conservatives lead in party ratings

The survey also gauged party support ahead of potential parliamentary elections. The opposition Homeland Union–Lithuanian Christian Democrats (TS-LKD), led by Laurynas Kasčiūnas, remained the most popular choice with 15.5% backing, marginally down from 15.8% in April. The ruling Social Democrats, headed by Mindaugas Sinkevičius, followed with 8.9% support, up from 7.6%.

The Liberal Movement, led by Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen, ranked third at 7.6% (down from 7.7%), while the far-right Nemuno Aušra party secured 6.3% (down from 6.6%). The Farmers and Greens Union (LVŽS) saw a notable drop to 5.7% from 8.5%, and the National Union stood at 3.9%. The Freedom Party and the Democrats “For Lithuania” garnered 3% and 2% respectively.

Undecided voters accounted for 24.1%, while 12.1% said they would not vote for any party.

Šimonytė remains top pick for prime minister

When asked which politician would be best suited to lead the government, 15.1% named former Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė, the TS-LKD leader, though her support dipped from 16.8% in April. Čmilytė-Nielsen followed at 6.4%, up from 5.7%. Other contenders included Remigijus Žemaitaitis (5.3%), Kasčiūnas (4.1%), and current Prime Minister Ruginienė (3.7%).

The poll, conducted between May 18–30, surveyed 1,022 respondents aged 18–75 via phone and online, with a margin of error of 3.1%.