Lithuania’s Veryga says demographic agreement format is worn out but party would participate

Lithuania’s Farmers and Greens Union leader and MEP Aurelijus Veryga said a national agreement on demography remains a priority for the incoming government, though the format has grown somewhat stale, national broadcaster LRT reports.

Veryga acknowledged that while the concept of a national agreement has become “a bit worn out” in politics, his party would still take part if such an initiative were launched. He noted that previous attempts, such as a national health agreement, had failed due to differing political views on family support and mechanisms.

“This national agreement is a genre in politics that has become a little worn out. It should be reserved for cases where we all see the problem and broadly agree on the solution,” Veryga said after meeting with President Gitanas Nausėda. “We are not against an agreement, and we would participate if one were initiated. We have many proposals, but I’m not sure the political parties would reach a consensus.”

The discussion follows social democrat leader and incoming prime minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius’ proposal to initiate a cross-party and institutional agreement on demography.

Veryga also addressed the ongoing coalition negotiations, confirming that the Farmers and Greens Union—the smallest and most diverse coalition partner—has not faced criticism regarding its two proposed ministers: Edvinas Grikšas (economy and innovation) and Rita Tamašunienė (justice).

Regarding concerns raised by President Nausėda about the Democratic Union “For Lithuania” nominee for health minister, Linas Kukuraitis, Veryga defended Kukuraitis’ experience, noting his prior ministerial role and political background. “He doesn’t need to start from scratch,” Veryga said, adding that healthcare challenges are complex not only in Lithuania but globally.