Social democrats and Democrats for Lithuania discuss coalition, some proposals have a cost

Coalition talks between Lithuania’s Social Democratic Party and the Democrats for Lithuania have begun, with the two sides discussing potential policy agreements, LRT reports.

Mindaugas Sinkevičius, leader of the Social Democrats, said after the first round of negotiations on Tuesday that while there were no fundamental disagreements, some of the Democrats’ proposals would come at a cost to taxpayers.

“One block took up 90% of the time—these were our programmatic issues that could unite us. The Democrats came prepared with homework and brought proposals for a potential coalition agreement and program, what they would like to see, what they would like to change,” Sinkevičius said.

He noted that while no major disagreements exist, the details discussed would still need approval from party memberships. “Some proposals have a price, a budgetary cost, which would require spending taxpayer money through the budget,” he added.

Sinkevičius confirmed that no specific ministerial positions were discussed, though the conversation touched on roles and responsibilities the Democrats for Lithuania might take on. He acknowledged hearing the Democrats’ preferences for positions in both the government and parliament but stressed no agreements were reached.

The Social Democrats have tasked their negotiating team with presenting results within two weeks. Sinkevičius expressed hope for “significant progress” by the end of this week.

Virginijus Sinkevičius, acting chair of the Democrats for Lithuania, said cooperation was possible but required further approval from party members. He emphasised the need to assess proposals carefully, noting that “the budget is not rubber” and funding sources must be identified.

Neither side specified which government positions the Democrats for Lithuania might seek, though Sinkevičius mentioned that the party has ambitions to be more visible in the government’s composition. Discussions are also underway about potential adjustments to their parliamentary quotas.

A second round of talks involving all three potential coalition partners—the Social Democrats, Democrats for Lithuania, and the Lithuanian Farmers and Greens Union—is scheduled for Thursday.

The Social Democrats announced plans to form a new coalition and end cooperation with the Freedom Party after a party council meeting on Saturday.