Lithuanian social democrats urged to clarify their political identity

Lithuania’s opposition Democrats leader Virginijus Sinkevičius has called on the ruling Social Democratic Party (LSDP) to define its core values amid ongoing uncertainty over the future of the governing coalition, LRT reports.

Speaking on Thursday, Sinkevičius questioned whether the LSDP remains a pro-European force or has aligned itself with anti-EU factions, citing the party’s collaboration with the conservative “Nemuno aušra” (Dawn by the Nemunas) faction. “They should answer whether freedom of speech and respect for the Constitution are values they defend—or not,” he said.

His remarks follow the LSDP council’s decision to defer any coalition decisions to the party’s new leadership, set to be elected at a congress on May 1. Current LSDP leader Mindaugas Sinkevičius has accused “Nemuno aušra” of harming both the party and the state, while media reports suggest the social democrats may consider replacing their coalition partners with the Democrats.

However, Sinkevičius dismissed the prospect of an easy alliance, stating that his party has “serious doubts” about joining a government led by the current coalition. “This government is deeply stuck,” he said, adding that any potential partnership would require the LSDP to first clarify its stance on fundamental issues.

The ruling coalition, formed after the 2024 parliamentary elections, initially included the Democrats but later replaced them with the agrarian Greens and Christian Democrats. It currently holds 81 seats in the 141-member Seimas.