Social democrats, farmers and greens, and democrats sign new coalition agreement

Representatives of the three parties forming Lithuania’s ruling majority signed a new coalition agreement on Thursday, LRT.lt reports.

Nearly two weeks ago, the Lithuanian Social Democratic Party (LSDP) decided to reshuffle the ruling coalition formed last summer, removing Remigijus Žemaitaitis’ “Nemuno aušra” party. Disagreements among coalition partners had persisted since the 2024 Seimas elections, when the first ruling majority was formed. This marks the third ruling majority and government in a year and a half.

The social democrats also agreed to negotiate a joint working arrangement with Virginijus Sinkevičius’ Democratic Union “For Lithuania” while retaining their current coalition partners, the farmers and greens led by Aurelijus Veryga.

The 21st government is expected to be formed by Mindaugas Sinkevičius, the LSDP chair and candidate for prime minister, who announced his intention to take on the role on Tuesday. Juozas Olekas, a social democrat, is set to continue as speaker of the Seimas.

In the newly formed government, the invited Democratic Union “For Lithuania” would take charge of the ministries of agriculture, energy, and health. The ruling social democrats would continue to lead nine ministries, while the Seimas faction of the Lithuanian Farmers and Greens Union would retain control of two ministries: economy and innovation, and justice.

Specific names for ministerial positions have not yet been disclosed. According to M. Sinkevičius, clarity on potential cabinet members is expected after the Joninės (Midsummer) holiday.