Lithuanian speaker says coalition decisions cannot rely solely on president’s remarks

Lithuanian parliament speaker Juozas Olekas has stated that coalition decisions cannot be based only on President Gitanas Nausėda’s comments, following the president’s suggestion that the ruling parties should reconsider their partnership with the “Nemuno aušra” (Nemunas Dawn) faction, LRT reports.

Speaking to ELTA news agency on Thursday, Olekas emphasised that while the president’s opinion is valued, decisions must involve broader consultation with party bodies and institutions. “We are gathering all the information to make the best decision,” he said. “Today, we cannot rely solely on the president’s statement. There are party organs and institutions that make these decisions.”

The speaker added that the current government programme is being implemented as planned, and any potential improvements would be considered if better opportunities arise.

His remarks follow Nausėda’s interview with TV3 on Wednesday, where the president argued that the Social Democrats—led by Remigijus Žemaitaitis—should explore alternatives to the existing coalition. “There were alternatives before, there are alternatives now, and there will be in the future,” Nausėda said, urging a more serious evaluation of options rather than prolonged delays.

The debate comes after seven “Nemuno aušra” MPs, along with three from the Lithuanian Farmers and Greens Union, voted against a bill on the Kapčiamestis training ground. The coalition council is set to discuss the matter next week.