Lithuanian ruling coalition change becomes less likely as time passes, says leader

The likelihood of changes in Lithuania’s ruling coalition is diminishing as time goes on, the leader of the Farmers and Greens Union (LVŽS) said on Monday, as reported by the BNS news agency and LRT.

Aurelijus Veryga, head of the governing party, commented on potential reshuffles within the coalition, stating that the approaching summer, ongoing budget preparations, and Lithuania’s upcoming EU presidency in 2027 reduce the chances of political shifts.

“First, we’re nearing summer, the budget is already being drafted, and budget negotiations will soon begin. Introducing new reshuffles or ministerial changes just before the budget would become increasingly difficult,” Veryga said.

He added that coalition partners, including the Social Democrats, are evaluating the situation from both political and governance perspectives. “Everyone is assessing everything, looking at it. On one hand, they consider what’s best for their party politically and how society perceives them. On the other, even the prime minister herself seems to be looking at this from a state governance perspective—how to act to avoid unnecessary disruptions,” he explained.

The Social Democrats have indicated they will decide on potential coalition changes by the end of May. Tensions arose after a majority of the liberal Nemunas Dawn faction and some LVŽS members opposed a bill concerning the Kapčiamiesčio training ground, though Social Democrat leader Mindaugas Sinkevičius cited broader issues with the liberals as a factor in discussions.

The current coalition—comprising the Social Democrats, Nemunas Dawn, and the Farmers and Greens Union—holds 81 seats in the 141-member Seimas.