Democrats for Lithuania branches back coalition talks with social democrats and agrarians

The interim leader of the Democrats for Lithuania party, Virginijus Sinkevičius, announced on Monday that local party branches have approved the start of negotiations to join a governing coalition with the Social Democrats (LSDP) and the agrarian Lithuanian Farmers and Greens Union (LVŽS), LRT reports.

Sinkevičius confirmed that while the branches authorised the leadership to begin talks, many raised concerns about potential risks. “The branches see possible risks. One branch opposed it outright, while several others were split nearly down the middle,” he said. Key objections included the current coalition’s unfulfilled promises and the political burden of joining a government nearing the end of its term.

Supporters of the move argued that the party should “take responsibility and express confidence in the political team,” Sinkevičius added. He stressed that the final decision on joining the coalition would depend on the outcome of negotiations.

Most branches also backed a broader cabinet reshuffle, though no specific names were discussed. “The overwhelming majority who supported [talks] spoke of a wider government overhaul,” Sinkevičius said, noting that the scope of changes would be part of discussions with the Social Democrats.

The Democrats for Lithuania have prioritised regional policy, social welfare, demographic issues, and family policy as key areas for programmatic negotiations.

The Social Democrats’ governing council decided on Saturday to exclude the liberal “Nemunas Dawn” party from the ruling majority and begin consultations with the Democrats for Lithuania. Unofficial reports suggest the Social Democrats may seek to replace the finance, interior, and culture ministers in a reshuffled cabinet.

Tensions in the current coalition escalated after some partners failed to support the establishment of a military training ground in Kapčiamestis. Both Social Democrat members and President Gitanas Nausėda have repeatedly criticised the party’s collaboration with “Nemunas Dawn,” with Nausėda stating that any leadership change—including a potential premiership for Social Democrat leader Vilija Ruginienė—should follow a “more radical” coalition restructuring.