Lithuania’s Democrats not pushing for coalition entry but ready to take responsibility

The Democratic Party of Lithuania is not actively seeking to join the ruling coalition but stands prepared to assume government responsibilities, party leader Virginijus Sinkevičius said Saturday, following the Social Democrats’ decision to remove the “Nemuno Aušra” party from government and invite the Democrats into negotiations.

Speaking to the Baltic News Service (BNS), Sinkevičius stated: “We are truly not pushing our way in, but we have always been ready to take responsibility for the state.”

He emphasised the need for clarity on whether the proposed coalition shift represents merely a “mathematical replacement” of one party with another or a fundamental change in governance approach. “Undoubtedly, this means greater responsibility, but also more concrete accountability for the decisions we make,” he added.

The Social Democrats (LSDP) announced Saturday they would exclude “Nemuno Aušra” from the coalition and begin talks with the Democrats, formally known as the “For the Sake of Lithuania” union. The move follows tensions over “Nemuno Aušra” lawmakers’ opposition to the establishment of a military training ground in Kapčiamiestis, as well as criticism of their leader’s conduct, including a first-instance court conviction for antisemitic remarks.

After the 2024 parliamentary elections, the Social Democrats initially formed a coalition with “Nemuno Aušra” and the Democrats, but last autumn replaced the Democrats with the Farmers, Greens, and Christian Families Union faction. The Democrats have been led on an interim basis by Sinkevičius since April, following the resignation of former leader Saulius Skvernelis amid corruption allegations. The party plans to elect a permanent leader by August.

The current ruling majority holds 80 seats in the 141-member parliament. A coalition of Social Democrats, Democrats, and the Farmers’ faction would command 75 votes.