Conservatives propose cross-party demographic agreement

Lithuania’s opposition Homeland Union-Lithuanian Christian Democrats (TS-LKD) have drafted their own cross-party agreement on demography, as the ruling coalition discusses a similar initiative, the party announced on Thursday.

Party leader Laurynas Kasčiūnas called on all political forces to unite and sign a national demographic agreement for 2026–2040, aiming to ensure a long-term, election-cycle-independent state strategy to counter population ageing, boost birth rates, and create a family-friendly environment.

Lithuania’s demographic situation has reached a critical point, Kasčiūnas said, with fertility rates at a historic low of around 0.99 children per woman—far below the replacement level of 2.1. He stressed that large-scale immigration is not a sustainable solution and cannot replace policies strengthening families, encouraging return migration, improving productivity, and adapting to an ageing society.

“This is not an issue for one party, one government, or one term. I urge party leaders to agree on long-term solutions that ensure a growing and strong Lithuania,” Kasčiūnas said.

Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius had previously announced plans to initiate a demographic agreement between parties and state institutions. Kasčiūnas noted that while the government has yet to present a concrete document, TS-LKD has prepared its own version.

“We will help the prime minister. We have drafted our demographic policy agreement and are sending it today to the leaders of parliamentary parties, proposing to start discussions based on this document and sign a cross-party demographic agreement,” he said.

The TS-LKD proposal includes measures to improve access to first-time housing, expand and reform state housing support for 18–35-year-olds and young families, and give municipalities more tools to develop housing aligned with education, transport, and other family-needed infrastructure.

It also calls for stable funding to expand kindergarten and school networks, as well as housing purchase opportunities for young families in regions and cities. Public service networks should be adapted to population size, needs, and specialist availability, ensuring access to essential services while strengthening regional economic and social vitality.

The party urges flexibility in the labour market to support working parents, ensuring that childbirth does not lead to disproportionate, long-term income loss and that families can choose when to return to work or studies.

Return migration is highlighted as a key priority, with proposals for active, targeted diaspora policies to help compatriots abroad return and integrate into Lithuania’s labour market and education system. The agreement also prioritises healthy ageing and extending life expectancy, with quality healthcare and social services for the elderly to encourage their social and economic participation.