Social Democrats leader says coalition decision will be made within a month as Paluckas sees no political future

The leader of Lithuania’s Social Democratic Party (LSDP), Mindaugas Sinkevičius, has stated that a final decision on continuing the ruling coalition with the “Nemuno aušra” party will be made within the coming month, while former Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas “no longer sees a political future for himself,” LRT.lt reports.

Sinkevičius told Žinių Radijas on Tuesday that discussions with coalition partners had dragged on long enough and must now conclude. “After much deliberation, I am inclined to close this question within the next month—one way or another,” he said. “Every political move has not only positive aspects but also consequences, sometimes painful ones.”

The LSDP leader also confirmed plans to speak with “Nemuno aušra” chairman Remigijus Žemaitaitis, acknowledging that coalition relations are “never particularly pleasant or friendly” but must be maintained despite complications. “Coalitions are not a group of friends gathering for four years—they involve constant friction, disagreements, and conflicts as partners push their own agendas,” Sinkevičius said.

Tensions within the coalition grew after some governing partners in the Seimas opposed the establishment of a military training ground in Kapčiamestis. While Sinkevičius had previously promised to clarify his position after the LSDP congress, he did not reveal his stance on the coalition’s future, instead pledging to assess all circumstances before making a decision.

Žemaitaitis has stated he does not fear changes to the coalition, while some LSDP members have repeatedly criticised the current partnership. Lukas Savickas, a senior figure in the rival Democratic Union “For Lithuania” faction, claimed that “minimal” talks with the Social Democrats have been ongoing for six months.

The current ruling coalition consists of the Social Democrats, “Nemuno aušra,” and the Lithuanian Farmers and Greens Union.