Lithuanian government approval ratings drop as dissatisfaction rises by 6 points

A new public opinion poll shows dissatisfaction with Lithuania’s government has grown by 6 percentage points in a month, with nearly 40% of respondents now viewing its performance negatively, LRT reports, citing data from research firm Spinter Tyrimai.

According to the May survey, commissioned by news outlet Delfi, 39.6% of respondents rated Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė’s government negatively, up from 33.5% in April. Meanwhile, 34.6% leaned toward a negative assessment (down from 40.7% in April), while only 14.6% viewed the government’s work positively—a slight decline from 16% the previous month. Just 2.1% expressed outright approval, compared to 1.5% in April. Another 9.1% were undecided or declined to answer.

The poll 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 (down marginally from 15.8% in April). The ruling Social Democrats, headed by Mindaugas Sinkevičius, followed with 8.9% (up from 7.6%), while the Liberal Movement, led by Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen, secured 7.6% (down from 7.7%).

Other parties polled included Nemuno Aušra (6.3%), the Farmers and Greens Union (5.7%), the National Union (3.9%), the Freedom Party (3%), and the Democrats “For Lithuania” (2%). A quarter of respondents (24.1%) were undecided, and 12.1% said they would not vote for any party.

When asked which politician would be best suited for prime minister, 15.1% named former PM Ingrida Šimonytė (TS-LKD), though her support dipped from 16.8% in April. Čmilytė-Nielsen ranked second (6.4%), followed by Remigijus Žemaitaitis (5.3%) and Kasčiūnas (4.1%). Current PM Ruginienė received 3.7% support.

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