Lithuanian Social Democrats to maintain coalition with Nemuno Aušra despite internal divisions

The Lithuanian Social Democratic Party (LSDP) will continue its coalition with the liberal Nemuno Aušra party for now, despite growing internal dissent, as leadership delays any potential changes until after the party’s May 1 congress, reports ELTA.

Party officials insist the current government coalition remains stable, particularly while key state decisions are being implemented. However, regional LSDP members have expressed skepticism about the need for changes, while others openly criticize the partnership with Nemuno Aušra, arguing it harms both the party and the country.

Acting LSDP leader Mindaugas Sinkevičius, currently mayor of Jonava district, is widely expected to be elected permanent chair on May 1. Though he has acknowledged the coalition’s negative impact, he has avoided concrete commitments, citing a recent party-commissioned poll that showed voters evenly split between continuing the current alliance and seeking a new majority.

Political analyst Matas Baltrukevičius of the Vilnius Policy Analysis Institute suggested the delay tactic allows the party to avoid difficult decisions while waiting for external developments—such as legal rulings in the corruption case involving former party leader Saulius Skvernelis or new revelations that could shift internal opinion. “The congress is being used as a convenient cover,” Baltrukevičius said, noting the party remains divided between those pushing to reform the coalition and others who see Skvernelis’ political downfall as justification for maintaining the status quo.

Some LSDP council members argue that, despite the coalition’s flaws, there are few viable alternatives at present—and that any changes must be carefully measured. Others emphasize that public disagreements should be minimized while the government’s agenda is still being executed.