Social Democrats’ council approves new coalition agreement

The council of the Lithuanian Social Democratic Party (LSDP) has approved a coalition agreement drafted by negotiators from three political parties, party leader Mindaugas Sinkevičius announced on Tuesday.

“The summary is that when voting on the presented document as the object of agreement between the three negotiating groups, the three negotiating sides, the potential coalition members’ working result text, it was unanimously approved,” Sinkevičius said after the LSDP council meeting.

He noted that around 170 council members participated in the meeting, with the vast majority voting in favor. “If I recall correctly, only one was against and nine abstained. This absolute majority means that it somewhat frees our hands to complete the process and possibly sign the agreement with coalition partners this week,” the LSDP leader said.

The discussions reportedly focused on whether the text met the party’s expectations and its left-leaning political goals. Some members expressed comments, criticism, and gratitude to the negotiating group.

Aurelijus Veryga, leader of the Lithuanian Farmers and Greens Union (LVŽS), also confirmed that his party’s council approved joining the new ruling majority and the prepared coalition agreement. “Today, there was only one question on the agenda—participation in the new coalition and the new coalition agreement. We presented the entire negotiation process and what is included in the agreement. We had a discussion and a vote,” Veryga told ELTA.

According to Veryga, 57 of the 58 participants voted in favor, with one abstention. He added that only one technical issue regarding an annex to the coalition agreement remains to be resolved.

Earlier this month, the LSDP decided to remove “Nemuno aušra” from the ruling majority and invited the Democrats’ Union “For Lithuania” to join the coalition instead. The coalition agreement among LSDP, the Democrats, and the Farmers and Greens is expected to be signed this week, securing 75 seats in the Seimas.

Last week, leaders and negotiators from the coalition-forming parties agreed on the distribution of ministries. The invited Democrats’ Union “For Lithuania” would take the Agriculture, Energy, and Health ministries in the new government. The ruling LSDP would continue to lead nine ministries, while the Seimas faction of the Farmers, Greens, and Christian Families Union would retain control of two ministries. The potential names of ministers have not yet been disclosed.

Sinkevičius also announced on Tuesday that he would take responsibility for leading the government, replacing current Prime Minister I. Ruginienė, who was appointed last August. Her government took office in September of last year.