Lithuanian coalition talks continue as parties discuss ministerial roles

Negotiations for a new coalition government in Lithuania are ongoing, with all three potential partners—social democrats, democrats, and the Farmers and Greens Union—meeting in the Seimas on Thursday, LRT reports.

The Social Democratic Party decided last Saturday to dissolve the current ruling majority, removing the “Nemuno aušra” faction led by Remigijus Žemaitaitis. Disagreements among coalition partners have persisted since the 2024 Seimas elections, when the first ruling majority was formed. If successful, this would be the third ruling majority and government in a year and a half.

The Social Democrats have also begun consultations with the Democratic Union “For Lithuania,” led by Virginijus Sinkevičius, while aiming to retain the current coalition partner, the Farmers and Greens Union, headed by Aurelijus Veryga.

Veryga commented on the Democrats’ proposal to lead four ministries, stating that the Farmers and Greens Union would also be willing to take on more ministerial roles if given the opportunity. “We always have a big appetite. The only limitation is the amount of food available,” Veryga said. He added, however, that the party does not demand more ministries and would prefer to retain their current ones if they are performing well.

“Our position is that if there is no necessity, and the ministry is functioning well with no issues, there is no need for change,” Veryga stated. He emphasized that his party’s negotiating team aims to keep the current Economy and Innovation and Justice Ministries.

Veryga also noted concerns regarding the Democrats’ proposals on forestry and relations with China. He reiterated that if significant changes occur, the Farmers and Greens Union would prefer to keep their current ministers, as they believe they are performing well.

Earlier this week, leaders of the potential coalition parties—Mindaugas Sinkevičius, Virginijus Sinkevičius, and Aurelijus Veryga—met in Brussels. On Tuesday, the Social Democrats and Democrats also held discussions. The Democrats expressed a desire to restructure the government, which could include changing the prime minister.

Public discussions last week suggested that if Mindaugas Sinkevičius were to take over as prime minister, current Prime Minister Ingrida Ruginienė might assume the role of Seimas Speaker, currently held by Juozas Olekas. The Democrats also expressed interest in leading four ministries, though Social Democrat Rasa Budbergytė stated that such requests cannot be accommodated.

The current ruling majority in the Seimas holds 80 seats. A new coalition would have slightly fewer, with 75 votes.