Lithuanian parliament speaker supports removal of Nemuno Aušra from ruling coalition
The speaker of Lithuania’s parliament, Juozas Olekas, has confirmed he voted in favour of ending the ruling coalition’s partnership with the liberal-conservative party Nemuno Aušra, LRT reports.
Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, Olekas stated he had supported the changes, citing the need to address “real challenges” in the government’s work. “I was among those who highlighted what our work actually requires and what obstacles we face,” he said. However, he emphasised that the decision was reached through collective agreement within the Lithuanian Social Democratic Party (LSDP).
Olekas acknowledged that the LSDP had initially opposed coalition talks with Nemuno Aušra after the 2024 elections but proceeded due to a lack of alternatives. “We couldn’t reach an agreement with the liberals post-election to form a different coalition,” he explained. Over nearly two years, he argued, many of the LSDP’s campaign pledges had been implemented thanks to sufficient parliamentary support.
The shift follows the LSDP council’s weekend decision to exclude Nemuno Aušra from the governing majority and begin negotiations with the centre-right Democratic Union “For Lithuania”. Coalition talks have been given a two-week deadline.
When asked about the future of Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė, Olekas avoided specifics, stating that further proposals would emerge once coalition negotiations conclude. “We’re not overcomplicating things. The negotiating groups are working, and once they agree, we’ll address other structural questions,” he said.
The speaker also expressed hope that the spring parliamentary session could wrap up in early July, even with the coalition transition. “In an ideal scenario, we could finish by the first week of July with just one extra sitting. If disagreements arise, it might take up to three weeks,” he noted. A longer delay could occur if a full cabinet reshuffle is required, involving a new government programme and ministerial appointments.
The LSDP leader, Mindaugas Sinkevičius, has previously stated that Olekas should retain his position even under a reconfigured coalition. Unofficial reports suggest the Social Democrats may also push for changes in the finance ministry as part of the new arrangement.