Formal coalition talks begin as Social Democrats and Democrats meet for negotiations

Formal coalition negotiations have begun in Lithuania, with the Social Democratic Party of Lithuania (LSDP) and the Democrats “For Lithuania” holding their first official working group meeting on Tuesday, LRT reports.

The Democrats confirmed their six-member delegation will include acting party chair Virginijus Sinkevičius, Tomas Tomilinas, Lukas Savickas, Jekaterina Rojaka, Linas Kukuraitis, and Domas Griškevičius. The LSDP team consists of party leader Mindaugas Sinkevičius, Robertas Duchnevičius, Inga Ruginienė, Orintas Leiputė, Rasa Budbergytė, and Jūras Taminskas.

Virginijus Sinkevičius stated that the initial focus will be on policy agreements rather than cabinet positions. “If we can reach an understanding on substance, then we can proceed to discuss the scope of government participation,” he said. Key priorities for the Democrats include addressing demographic challenges, economic growth, national security, and regional development.

The talks follow a Saturday decision by the LSDP council to restructure the ruling coalition, removing the “Nemunas Dawn” party and initiating consultations with the Democrats. On Monday, the three potential coalition leaders—Mindaugas Sinkevičius, Virginijus Sinkevičius, and Aurelijus Veryga—met in Brussels to discuss government formation.

Unconfirmed reports suggest the new coalition could see changes in several ministries, including finance, interior, and culture. There has also been speculation that Inga Ruginienė, currently serving as acting prime minister, could transition to speaker of the Seimas if Mindaugas Sinkevičius assumes the premiership. However, Sinkevičius has expressed satisfaction with the current speaker, Juozas Olekas.

The current ruling majority holds 80 seats in the Seimas; a new coalition with the Democrats would command 75. Tensions within the existing coalition escalated after some partners opposed the establishment of a military training ground in Kapčiamestis. Both LSDP members and President Gitanas Nausėda have repeatedly criticised the partnership with “Nemunas Dawn.”