Lithuanian coalition partner to vote against Kapčiamiesčiai training ground despite government support

The leader of Lithuania’s ruling coalition partner Nemuno Aušra (New Dawn) has confirmed his party will oppose plans for a military training ground in Kapčiamiesčiai, despite ongoing coalition negotiations, LRT reports.

Remigijus Žemaitaitis, the party’s chairman, told reporters on Monday that while coalition partners had presented arguments in favour of the project, his faction would maintain its opposition. “I personally am definitely against it,” he said, adding that only one or two additional votes from absent or undecided lawmakers might emerge.

The Social Democrats, another coalition member, had earlier suggested Nemuno Aušra might shift its stance after internal discussions. Party leader Mindaugas Sinkevičius noted that some coalition partners were reconsidering their positions, but Žemaitaitis dismissed expectations of broader support.

The training ground proposal narrowly passed its initial parliamentary vote only with opposition backing, as Nemuno Aušra—despite being in government—saw just two of its 18 MPs support the plan, with seven voting against, four abstaining, and five absent.

Žemaitaitis reiterated that his party prioritises air defence over the training facility, though Lithuania’s military strategy requires both. He downplayed Social Democrat frustration over the vote, stating that coalition stability was not in question. “Their party, their decision,” he said, adding that coalition partners remained free to explore alternative alliances.

The Social Democrats are expected to address coalition dynamics at their party council meeting in April, ahead of leadership elections in early May.