Germany welcomes Lithuanian social democrats’ decision to exclude far-right from coalition

A senior German diplomat has praised Lithuania’s Social Democratic Party (LSDP) for its decision to form a ruling coalition without the far-right populist party Nemuno aušra (Dawn of the Nemunas), calling it a “positive” move.

Gunther Krichbaum, Germany’s deputy foreign minister responsible for European affairs, told the Baltic News Service (BNS) that Berlin views the exclusion of the far-right party as a step in the right direction.

“On this issue, I will be open and sincere—we welcome the fact that the ruling majority will be formed without the far-right populist party,” Krichbaum said. “It was not easy for Germany to send a brigade to a country where the government is influenced by a far-right party.”

The minister stressed that while Germany does not interfere in Lithuania’s internal affairs, historical responsibility shapes its stance. “Looking at our own history, we cannot tolerate antisemitism and anti-Jewish propaganda as part of a political program,” he said. “Germany cannot tolerate this because of its history, so when we heard that this party [Nemuno aušra] would join the ruling coalition, you can imagine our reactions were very restrained and ambivalent.”

The leader of Nemuno aušra, Remigijus Žemaitaitis, was convicted last year for inciting hatred against Jews and Holocaust denial. His appeals case remains pending. Žemaitaitis has previously referred to Israelis as “animals” and claimed Jews contributed to the destruction of the Lithuanian nation in social media posts.

The LSDP announced its decision to exclude Nemuno aušra from the coalition over the weekend, paving the way for negotiations with the centre-right Democrats’ Union Vardan Lietuvos (For Lithuania). Some social democrats had expressed dissatisfaction with Žemaitaitis’ rhetoric, citing its negative impact on public perception.

Krichbaum added that Lithuania now has an opportunity to form a government that “earns trust and public support.” His remarks come amid deepening bilateral ties, including Germany’s commitment to deploy a brigade in Lithuania by the end of 2027.