Kapčiamiesčio military training ground faces opposition from ruling coalition despite backing from opposition parties
Opposition parties in Lithuania have expressed support for the proposed Kapčiamiesčio military training ground, while the ruling coalition remains divided on the issue, according to a report by LRT Televizija.
The debate over the establishment of the training ground will next week shift from the local community in Kapčiamiesčio to the national parliament, the Seimas. While opposition parties have indicated their backing for the government’s draft law without having seen the full proposal, concerns within the ruling coalition itself are growing.
Disagreements among governing parties centre on compensation levels, the extent of land use, and the necessity of the project. One lawmaker acknowledged that without opposition support, the proposal might struggle to secure parliamentary approval.
Polish stance complicates regional cooperation
The discussion has been further complicated by comments from Poland’s Deputy Minister of Defence, who stated that the training ground would not be expanded into Polish territory. This contradicts Lithuania’s proposal for joint use and development of the Kapčiamiesčio site. The Polish official added that the Lithuanian government is negotiating to ensure the training ground remains at a sufficient distance from the border.
Local residents remain divided. Some, like Ramutė from Menciškės, have decided to stay despite their property falling within the designated training area. She expressed concern primarily about potential road closures affecting her child’s schooling. Under the draft law, residents have up to five years to decide whether to relocate. Those who do will receive compensation of up to €25,000, plus reimbursement for property restoration.
Others, however, remain deeply opposed. One resident, who asked not to be named, said financial compensation was irrelevant: “Give me millions—I won’t take them. Tears are welling up. After so many years, they tell you that you have to leave. But where?”
Government insists on strategic need
Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas acknowledged shifting opinions within the community, saying, “One day there’s positive talk, the next day people change their minds.” He confirmed that 13 households—only one permanently occupied—will need to relocate due to proximity to firing ranges, with compensation exceeding €50,000 per household.
Lazdijai Mayor Ausma Miškinienė described the draft law as “quite optimistic” and responsive to residents’ expectations, though winter protests had earlier signalled strong local resistance. The Defence Ministry reported holding nearly 300 public consultations with the community, which, it said, did not alter their stance.
Tomas Ramanauskas, head of the “Kapčiamiesčio Bendruomenės Giria” association, disputed the government’s claims, stating, “People are not satisfied, and they won’t even entertain the idea. We have not received answers to whether the training ground is needed at all.”
Within the ruling coalition, scepticism is also evident. Remigijus Žemaitaitis, faction leader of “Nemuno Aušra,” said, “There are more questions than answers.” He suggested his faction may vote freely, possibly abstaining, citing the need for modern air defence systems as a higher priority. Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė countered that both air defence investment and the training ground are strategically vital and should not be pitted against each other.