Defence minister calls for questioning leader of ruling coalition partner over “strange resistance”

Lithuania’s defence minister has suggested that the leader of the ruling coalition’s junior partner, Nemuno Aušra, should be directly asked why his faction sometimes exhibits “strange resistance” to key decisions, as debates persist over defence policy priorities.

Speaking on LRT Television’s Savaitė programme, Social Democrat and Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas acknowledged divisions within the governing coalition over defence strategy but stressed his focus remains on strengthening Lithuania’s military capabilities.

“Even within the Nemuno Aušra faction, there are thoughtful, civic-minded people who support necessary decisions,” Kaunas said. “The question should be put to one individual—the leader of Nemuno Aušra—why there is sometimes such strange opposition.”

The minister’s remarks follow ongoing tensions in the coalition, where some Social Democrats have called for severing ties with Nemuno Aušra over disputes such as the vote on the Kapčiamiesčio training ground. Kaunas, however, declined to take a personal stance on whether the coalition should break up, stating that any changes must be carefully weighed.

“My primary goal is ensuring the Lithuanian army receives all necessary armaments, training conditions, and infrastructure,” he said. “I am pleased that, by parliamentary majority, these laws are being adopted.”

Addressing broader defence strategy, Kaunas emphasised Lithuania’s need to invest in its own deterrence capabilities, regardless of alliances. “If we want to remain secure, if we want someone to defend us, we must first invest in our own defence,” he said, noting rapid progress in this area.

When pressed on Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė’s repeated references to contingency plans (A, B, and C) in case of a US withdrawal from Europe, Kaunas avoided specifics but underscored the importance of self-reliance alongside strategic partnerships.