Lithuanian parliament speaker supports removal of Nemuno Aušra from ruling coalition

The speaker of Lithuania’s parliament, Juozas Olekas, has confirmed he voted in favour of ending the ruling coalition’s partnership with the liberal-conservative party Nemuno Aušra, state broadcaster LRT reports.

“I was among those who highlighted the real challenges ahead and the work we face,” Olekas told journalists on Tuesday. “I voted to support the changes.”

However, when asked whether he would have personally initiated the coalition reshuffle, the speaker emphasised the decision was made collectively. “This was a joint agreement, and we will see its benefits—we had various disagreements,” he said. He noted that before the 2024 elections, the Social Democrats had stated they did not want a coalition with Nemuno Aušra, but negotiations with the liberals after the vote failed to yield an alternative majority.

“Over these nearly two years, many of the Social Democrats’ election pledges to the people of Lithuania were implemented because we had enough votes to support these positions,” Olekas added.

Earlier, Olekas had argued the coalition with Nemuno Aušra should continue, attributing the shift to colleagues’ ambitions. The Social Democratic Party of Lithuania (LSDP) council decided over the weekend to exclude Nemuno Aušra from the ruling majority and begin talks with the centre-right Democratic Union “For Lithuania”. Negotiations have been given a two-week deadline.

LSDP leader Mindaugas Sinkevičius stated on Tuesday that Olekas should remain in office even after the coalition is renewed. The future of Prime Minister Ingrida Ruginienė remains uncertain. “We didn’t imagine things going this far,” Olekas said. “We’re now in talks, and I hope we’ll reach a coalition agreement this week. Once the negotiating groups finalise terms, other proposals on restructuring will follow.”

The speaker expects the spring parliamentary session to conclude in early July, depending on the speed of coalition talks. “In an ideal scenario, we could finish by the first week of July with just one extra sitting,” he said. “If there are disputes, it might take up to three weeks.” A longer delay could occur if the government itself changes, requiring a new programme and cabinet formation.

Originally, the session was scheduled to end in late June, but the LSDP’s decision to break with Nemuno Aušra and pursue a new majority is expected to extend proceedings.