Lithuanian coalition talks begin in Brussels as party leaders meet without key figures

Negotiations for Lithuania’s next governing coalition have begun in an unusual setting—Brussels—where the leaders of the Social Democrats, Democrats “For Lithuania,” and the “Homeland Union–Lithuanian Christian Democrats” met on Tuesday, LRT reports. Social Democratic Party chairman Mindaugas Sinkevičius confirmed that official talks will start in Vilnius on Wednesday, with changes expected in both the coalition’s composition and the government’s policy program.

While coalition discussions typically take place in the Seimas or government offices, this preliminary meeting was held in Brussels, where two of the three party leaders—Virginijus Sinkevičius (Democrats) and Aurelijus Veryga (Homeland Union)—currently serve as Members of the European Parliament. Sinkevičius acknowledged that their physical presence in Lithuania would simplify negotiations.

“Of course, it would be easier,” he told LRT. “We’d feel not just their support and participation but their direct involvement in the team. I’ve half-jokingly, half-seriously told both colleagues that if they decided to return to Lithuania and take responsibility for their agreed positions, I’d only welcome it.”

The Social Democratic leader outlined plans for the talks to continue in Vilnius on Wednesday, with a full meeting of all three potential coalition partners scheduled for Thursday. He emphasized that the government’s policy program would shift, particularly in areas of shared priority such as family policy, social issues, and support for young families.

“I believe it will be a socially oriented program—that’s what I’ll push for,” Sinkevičius said. “The composition is changing, so the content must too. It won’t just be a case of new faces in the same chairs. We’ll clarify the specifics by the end of this week or early next week.”

When asked about potential changes to the cabinet, Sinkevičius noted that no final decisions had been made regarding personnel. The departure of the “Freedom Party” from the current coalition has opened positions that could be offered to new partners, though internal reshuffling among the remaining parties remains possible.

Sinkevičius also addressed the performance of non-partisan ministers—Energy Minister Žygimantas Vaičiūnas and Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys—stating that while Vaičiūnas met expectations, Budrys had received “mixed reviews.” However, he stressed that no individual appointments were discussed during Tuesday’s meeting. The final cabinet, he said, would be chosen by the prime minister—whether the current one or a new leader—based on competence and trust.

The Social Democrats aim to conclude negotiations swiftly, though Sinkevičius acknowledged the likelihood of extending the Seimas spring session to finalize the coalition agreement.