Lithuanian coalition tensions rise after election watchdog rules Nemuno Aušra broke funding laws

The ruling Social Democratic Party has warned that a finding by Lithuania’s Central Electoral Commission (VRK) that the junior coalition partner Nemuno Aušra seriously violated campaign finance laws will strain relations within the government, LRT reports.

Speaking to journalists on Friday, Social Democrat MP Juozas Olekas said the commission’s decision “cannot be ignored” and will affect working ties in the coalition. “As long as we can fulfil our commitments to the public within this coalition, we will continue to work and make decisions,” he stated, while acknowledging that the ruling creates difficulties for the smaller party ahead of next year’s municipal elections.

The VRK determined that Nemuno Aušra misused state funds by leasing vehicles from its leader, Remigijus Žemaitaitis, and another member for purposes beyond party activities. The cars were also used for Žemaitaitis’s parliamentary work and his presidential campaign, while one vehicle was accessible to a law firm where his wife is employed. The watchdog classified this as a “serious violation” of the Political Organisations Law, potentially stripping the party of its annual state subsidy—worth €241,800 in the second half of last year.

Žemaitaitis has dismissed the ruling as politically motivated, vowing to appeal in court. Olekas, while expressing no satisfaction over the situation, noted it should serve as “a stimulus for the party to seek more support from its own members.”

The VRK will decide on the subsidy cut at its April 2 meeting, when allocating funds to all political parties.