Coalition talks progress as Social Democrats signal Budrius’ future

Coalition negotiations in Lithuania are advancing, with the Social Democratic Party confirming plans to allocate the ministries of Health, Agriculture, and Energy to their partners, the Democratic Union “For Lithuania,” LRT reports.

The Social Democrats’ leader, Mindaugas Sinkevičius, stated that the coalition agreement draft had been finalised on Monday. The party is expected to announce its candidate for prime minister on Tuesday.

Robertas Duchnevičius, vice-chairman of the Social Democratic Party, described the day as productive, with party leaders quickly aligning on the coalition agreement’s content. Lukas Savickas, vice-chairman of the Democratic Union, confirmed that the ministries allocated to his party had been agreed upon but noted that discussions on specific candidates were premature.

“As a political organisation, we must first confirm that the coalition text, in its proposed scope, is suitable for the party,” Savickas said. He added that the party’s board would meet on Tuesday evening to make a final decision on joining the coalition, after which personnel discussions would begin.

Aušrinė Norkienė, vice-chair of the Farmers and Greens Union, the third coalition partner, emphasised the importance of maintaining the status quo from previous negotiations. She stated that her party’s ministers were performing well and that there was no need for changes due to personal ambitions. Norkienė also noted that the post of Deputy Minister of Agriculture should belong to her party under the agreement.

Savickas confirmed that this would be part of the finalised terms.