Lithuanian MP rejects claim that parliament must follow defence council’s decision on military training ground

A senior coalition lawmaker has dismissed suggestions that Lithuania’s parliament is obligated to approve a controversial military training ground after the State Defence Council (VGT) endorsed the project, stating that such a requirement “has never existed and never will.”

Dainius Gaižauskas, a member of the ruling Farmers and Greens Union (LVŽS), told a meeting of the National Security and Defence Committee (NSGK) on Tuesday that the VGT’s position does not bind the Seimas, reports LRT.lt.

“The claim that the law must be adopted discredits the Seimas as the primary institution—suggesting we must carry out the will of the VGT or the Ministry of Defence when drafting legislation. That is not, has never been, and never will be the case, because we are a parliamentary state,” Gaižauskas said.

His remarks came as three committee members—social democrat Tomas Martinaitis, conservative Arvydas Pocius, and Gaižauskas himself—prepare conclusions on the draft law establishing the Kapčiamestis training ground in southern Lithuania. The committee is not questioning the need for enhanced defence infrastructure, Gaižauskas stressed, but asserts that the VGT’s endorsement does not compel parliamentary approval.

Pocius, a former armed forces chief and member of the opposition Homeland Union (TS-LKD), noted that Lithuania has established multiple training grounds since restoring independence in 1990, typically without major disputes. “Procedures varied, but usually they proceeded smoothly, with all stakeholders consulted. There’s no need for excessive emotion—this involves state interests on one side and private landowners on the other,” he said.

Deputy Defence Minister Bronius Bieliauskas defended the selection of the Lazdijai district site, stating that seven potential locations were evaluated based on state land availability, population density, strategic geography, and suitability for military exercises. The chosen area—near the Polish border in the Suwałki Corridor—was deemed optimal, with no air navigation restrictions that would hinder operations, he added.

The VGT proposed the Kapčiamestis site late last year to strengthen Lithuania’s southern defences. The draft law cleared its first parliamentary hurdle last week with 102 votes in favour, 10 against, and six abstentions. Opposition came entirely from the ruling majority: seven MPs from the liberal “Nemuno Aušra” faction, including leader Remigijus Žemaitaitis, and three from LVŽS. The committee will debate the bill further, with a plenary vote expected on April 14.