Social Democrats to finalise coalition decision by late May, leader says

The ruling Lithuanian Social Democratic Party (LSDP) will decide on the future of its coalition with the “Nemunas Dawn” party by the end of May, acting leader Mindaugas Sinkevičius said Friday at the party’s congress in Jonava.

Speaking to journalists ahead of the event, Sinkevičius confirmed plans to convene the party council later this month to reach a “final, qualified decision” on the coalition’s future. “I set a goal to conclude the coalition issue definitively by the end of May, one way or another,” he stated.

The congress, marking the party’s 130th anniversary, also saw Sinkevičius—mayor of Jonava District—reelected unopposed as LSDP chairman after rival candidate Nerijus Cesiulis, mayor of Alytus, withdrew. “No, I truly do not intend to participate, as our branch did not nominate me and did not even suggest it,” Cesiulis told reporters, adding that leadership contests in the party are “won much earlier” than election day.

Criticism of the current coalition with “Nemunas Dawn,” led by Remigijus Žemaitaitis, has grown within LSDP ranks, particularly after some faction members opposed the Kapčiamestis polygon project. Alytus mayor Cesiulis, a vocal critic, accused Žemaitaitis of undermining the party’s reputation: “I cannot even look at this man who calls himself the strong head. He mocks the nation and our party. We are absolutely not on the same path—perhaps only united by the desire to keep our positions.”

In addition to leadership elections, the congress will address deputy chair appointments, statutory amendments, and a resolution on improving Lithuania’s demographic situation.