Lithuanian opposition to prepare constitutional complaint against Sinkevičius government

Lithuania’s opposition parties plan to file a complaint with the Constitutional Court next week over the legitimacy of Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius’ government, according to Laurynas Kasčiūnas, leader of the Homeland Union-Lithuanian Christian Democrats (TS-LKD).

Kasčiūnas told Žinių Radijas that the document would be ready within a week, with the aim of collecting the necessary signatures by the end of July. The opposition argues that Sinkevičius’ government programme was submitted before the cabinet was officially approved, violating constitutional procedures.

“We are preparing the document. I think we will have it next week,” Kasčiūnas said. “I believe we will collect the required signatures and submit [the complaint to the Constitutional Court] by the end of July.”

He emphasised that a Constitutional Court ruling would clarify legal questions surrounding the government’s formation, benefiting both the ruling majority and the political system. “The appeal to the Constitutional Court will be healthy for our political system, as the Court will assess the formation process and answer the questions,” Kasčiūnas stated.

The debate began after Vilnius University law professor Egidijus Kūris noted that Sinkevičius had submitted the government programme to the Seimas on July 3, before President Gitanas Nausėda signed the decree approving the cabinet on July 6. Sinkevičius has since claimed the programme was presented to the Seimas after the decree was signed.

The current ruling coalition consists of the Lithuanian Social Democratic Party, the Democratic Union “For Lithuania,” and the Lithuanian Farmers, Greens, and Christian Families Union.