Lithuanian conservatives urge president to lead push for banning Russians and Belarusians from local elections

The opposition Homeland Union–Lithuanian Christian Democrats (TS-LKD) has called on President Gitanas Nausėda to take the lead in amending laws to prevent Russian and Belarusian citizens permanently residing in Lithuania from voting or running in municipal elections, LRT reports.

Party leader Laurynas Kasčiūnas announced on Thursday that TS-LKD would send a letter to the president, urging him to “take leadership, unite all factions, and determine whether 94 votes can be secured in the Seimas” to pass the restrictions. The proposal aims to implement the ban before the 2027 municipal elections—or potentially even earlier.

Kasčiūnas cited a recent Spinter Tyrimai poll, commissioned by the party, showing 55% of respondents support the measure, with 25% neutral and 11% opposed. Support was highest in Vilnius (66%), where the Russian-speaking population has grown, followed by other major cities (56%), regional centers (48%), and rural areas (53%).

Voters of the Liberal Movement (74% support), TS-LKD (71%), and the Democratic Union “For Lithuania” (63%) were most likely to back the restrictions, while “Nemuno Aušra” supporters showed the least approval (40%).

A similar TS-LKD proposal was rejected by the Seimas in late March. Initiator Dalia Asanavičiūtė-Gružauskienė argued the poll demonstrates broad public support across party lines, urging factions to reconsider based on their electorates’ views.

The proposed constitutional and electoral code amendments would limit municipal voting and candidacy rights to Lithuanian citizens or nationals of EU/NATO-aligned states legally residing in Lithuania. Currently, all permanent residents—including foreigners with residence permits—can participate in local elections. As of April, nearly 21,000 such residents hold permits, including 8,301 Russians and 4,058 Belarusians.

The next municipal elections are scheduled for spring 2025.