Lithuanian coalition partner downplays talks with Democrats after Skvernelis departure

The ruling coalition in Lithuania will not become more appealing to the Democratic Union “For Lithuania” following the resignation of Saulius Skvernelis, a key figure in the party’s corruption case, according to Robertas Puchovičius, deputy chairman of the “Nemuno Aušra” party, reports LRT.

Speaking on the ELTA savaitė programme, Puchovičius dismissed speculation that Skvernelis’ departure would ease tensions or make the Democrats a more viable coalition partner. “If we say Skvernelis was the only problem, then the question is: why engage with people who have no position of their own?” he said. “If his criticism was personal, not the party’s, then the party effectively doesn’t exist—it was just one man’s voice.”

Puchovičius argued that even with Skvernelis gone, the Democrats’ stance would remain unchanged. “If the party backed his criticism, then their thinking aligns. A new leader will emerge and criticise just the same,” he added.

Recent informal discussions between the Democrats and the Social Democrats (LSDP) should not be overstated, Puchovičius claimed. “Politicians talk—that’s normal. Some say there’s dialogue, others that it’s routine. I see nothing unusual,” he said, noting that coalition shifts would not affect his party’s position. “We don’t cling to posts or seats.”

While Puchovičius confirmed he has held talks with individual Social Democrats about supporting the current coalition, he stressed these were coordinated with his party’s leadership, including chairman Remigijus Žemaitaitis. “All my discussions are aligned with the faction and the party. I’m not acting alone,” he said.

The LSDP’s governing council did not reach a decision on coalition matters last week. Acting leader Mindaugas Sinkevičius, a candidate for permanent chairmanship, presented a future work strategy and poll data to colleagues but deferred a final vision until the party’s May 1 congress.

Žemaitaitis previously stated he did not fear coalition changes but expressed disappointment at the Social Democrats’ delay in clarifying their position until after the leadership vote. Sinkevičius and Democratic Union faction leader Lukas Savickas had earlier acknowledged minimal contact between the parties, though Savickas later denied any serious negotiations on coalition changes.

The current ruling majority consists of the LSDP, “Nemuno Aušra,” and the Lithuanian Farmers, Greens, and Christian Families Union. It was formed last summer after then-Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas resigned amid media investigations into his business ties.