Lithuania Reshapes Its Political Landscape: A New Coalition of Populists and Social Democrats Takes Power
Significant political changes have taken place in Lithuania as the country transitions into a new phase of government formation.
Following Monday’s negotiations, the main political forces in Lithuania signed a historic agreement to establish a coalition cabinet.
The newly formed coalition aims to strengthen its governance and address contemporary national challenges.
The coalition includes the Social Democrats—currently the largest parliamentary party—as well as populist representatives from the party Sunrise of Nечemunas and the Union of Farmers and Greens of Lithuania.
This shift came as a surprise to many analysts, as it displaced the previously ruling party, ‘For Lithuania,’ which had held key positions in parliament.
Special attention is given to the roles of new allies, such as the Party of the Electoral Action of Poles in Lithuania — Union of Christian Families, led by Waldemar Tomaszewski, who has actively criticized government policies regarding Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine and the ban on Russian TV channels in Lithuania.
Additionally, two independent deputies, Ignas Vėgėlė—known for opposing Covid-19 vaccinations—and Rimas Jonas Jankuņas, joined the coalition.
According to the agreement, the Social Democrats will retain control over several key ministries, including finance, defense, culture, social protection, transport, health, education and sports, foreign affairs, and internal affairs.
The new government will be headed by the Sunrise of Nечemunas leader, Remigijus Šemaitytis, but it is already known that Juozas Oleka, a trusted Social Democrat, will serve as the Speaker of the Seimas.
Populists will oversee the ministries of Environment, Agriculture, and Energy, while Farmers and Greens will receive responsibilities related to the economy and justice.
Another important development is the resignation of Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas, accused of financial misconduct.
His successor will be Inga Ruginienė, an experienced trade union activist supported by President Gitanas Nausėda.
The parliament is scheduled to vote on August 26, and if approved, the new cabinet will have 15 days to present its composition and government program, which must be approved by the president.
On the same day, a mass protest is planned in Vilnius against the new coalition, expecting up to 10,000 participants.
This political reshuffle occurs amid ongoing discussions about Lithuania’s potential military support to Ukraine, reaffirming its position in regional security and anti-Russian efforts.