LSDP leader admits coalition with Nemuno Aušra damages reputation but sees no clean alternatives

The governing coalition with the Nemuno Aušra party is harming the reputation of Lithuania’s Social Democratic Party (LSDP), but no politically “clean” alternatives currently exist, LSDP chairman Mindaugas Sinkevičius acknowledged in an interview with LRT Radio on Wednesday.

“To say that we are clinging to something is not entirely correct,” Sinkevičius said. “We clearly understand—we’re not newcomers to politics—that there is a certain reputational cost arising from situations and events, and it weighs on us, undoubtedly it weighs.”

He noted that while critics frequently advise the Social Democrats on coalition choices, they fail to propose viable, reputationally sound alternatives. “Where are these pristine, reputationally flawless, almost saintly options that some claim exist?” he asked.

Sinkevičius argued that removing Nemuno Aušra from the coalition would leave the Social Democrats and the Lithuanian Farmers and Greens Union (LVŽS) with insufficient seats to govern. The current ruling majority holds 81 votes in the 141-seat Seimas; without Nemuno Aušra, it would drop to 63—below the 71-vote threshold needed to pass legislation.

“Perhaps with the conservatives or liberals—though I doubt they’d join us,” he said. “Other alternatives simply don’t exist, unless someone believes a reshuffle would magically produce a reputationally spotless realignment. Maybe they should recall some recent, not-so-clean and not-so-pleasant events.”

The LSDP had previously considered reinviting the Democrats “For Lithuania” party into the coalition, but that option became complicated after party leader Saulius Skvernelis was questioned as a special witness in a State Plant Service corruption case involving his former advisor Agnė Silickienė.

Tensions over Nemuno Aušra’s role in the coalition escalated after a Seimas vote on establishing a military training ground in Kapčiamiestis, Lazdijai district. Most Nemuno Aušra lawmakers, including party leader Remigijus Žemaitaitis, opposed the project. Sinkevičius called their stance “unacceptable” and said the LSDP board would discuss potential consequences.