Lithuanian opposition unlikely to back constitutional referendum on family definition

A cross-party group of 60 Lithuanian lawmakers has proposed holding an advisory referendum on defining family in the constitution alongside next year’s municipal elections, but opposition parties signal they will not support the initiative, arguing it would not address declining birth rates, LRT reports.

The proposal, backed by MPs from all factions except the liberals, also includes amendments to education and public broadcasting laws aimed at promoting “Christian values, marriage, parenthood, and national minorities” while increasing parental influence in schools. Supporters claim the measures would strengthen societal attitudes toward family and boost fertility.

Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen, leader of the opposition Liberal Movement, dismissed the plan as “preparation for a referendum that 64 MPs want to initiate on defining family.” She argued existing life-skills and education programs already address demographic challenges without needing constitutional changes. “These are real problems—birth rates, demographics—but this isn’t the solution I could support,” she told reporters.

Lukas Savickas of the Democrats “For Lithuania” faction acknowledged internal divisions but stressed the need to avoid “artificial polarization.” His party favors “real solutions that strengthen families,” such as expanded child benefits and parental leave incentives, rather than measures that “could create unnecessary societal divisions.”

Aušrinė Norkienė, a co-sponsor from the Peasant Greens and Christian Families Union, framed the package as a “culture of life project,” arguing financial incentives alone fail to reverse demographic decline. “We need a cultural environment where families in Lithuania want to have and raise children,” she said, citing research that material support does not significantly increase birth rates.

The referendum, if approved by parliament, would coincide with the 2027 local elections. Critics, however, question its legal binding force, as advisory referendums in Lithuania are non-compulsory for lawmakers.