Lithuanian social democrat leader still undecided on coalition with Nemuno Aušra

Mindaugas Sinkevičius, the newly elected leader of Lithuania’s ruling Social Democratic Party (LSDP), says he has not yet decided whether to form a coalition with the conservative Nemuno Aušra party, though he aims to bring “more calm” to national politics, reports LRT.

In an interview with BNS, Sinkevičius acknowledged that the decision remains unresolved, calling it “an equation with too many unknowns.” He added that a final position would be adopted at the party’s next council meeting.

“If I had an answer, you would know it,” he said. “I’m solving this equation for myself. When there are many unknowns, certain assumptions must be made, and the theoretical model will eventually produce some conclusion.”

The Jonava mayor, elected as LSDP chair last week, also confirmed he is considering relocating to Vilnius to engage more directly in national politics, citing logistical challenges from his current base.

Palucko immunity vote “satisfactory”

Sinkevičius called Thursday’s party-line vote to strip former leader Gintautas Palucko of legal immunity “satisfactory,” despite 13 of 51 LSDP lawmakers abstaining. He dismissed claims of coordinated opposition, attributing absences to scheduling conflicts or personal legal concerns.

“I asked the faction’s senior member whether there was any suspicion of deliberate abstention. Some colleagues may have had doubts, but mostly because they face their own issues with checks or similar matters,” he said. “Others were on official trips. From what I heard, there was no systematic attempt to overturn the outcome.”

He conceded that Palucko’s case—though not directly tied to the party as an institution—creates “indirect, collateral reputational damage” due to the former leader’s long-standing association with the LSDP.

Economic outlook improves

On broader political trends, Sinkevičius argued that the party’s current fourth-place standing in polls reflects multiple factors beyond Palucko’s influence, including public protests over free speech and economic uncertainty. However, he noted that recent forecasts suggest Lithuania will avoid a recession this autumn.

Despite internal divisions over potential partnerships, he insisted the LSDP’s policy agenda would still advance in parliament: “The project will reach the Seimas.”