Coalition deal nears completion in Lithuania, but Prime Minister’s future remains unclear

Coalition negotiations in Lithuania are approaching a conclusion, with the prospective ruling partners working to finalize their agreement on Friday. Representatives of the Social Democrats, the Union of Democrats "For Lithuania," and the Lithuanian Farmers and Greens Union have been discussing the terms, focusing on policy commitments rather than ministerial portfolios. Lukas Savickas of the Democrats confirmed that his party is expected to receive three ministries, but specific portfolios have yet to be discussed and will be addressed next week.

One of the most significant unresolved issues is whether Lithuania will have a new prime minister. The Social Democrats have not yet decided whether to replace the head of government. Deputy Speaker of the Seimas Orinta Leiputė stated that the question remains open. Virginijus Sinkevičius, acting chairman of the Democrats, has previously described a decision by Social Democratic leader Mindaugas Sinkevičius on whether to seek the premiership as a key issue.

Leiputė stressed that the current government continues to function effectively and that the Social Democrats see no reason to oppose its work. She also suggested that coalition partners should not dictate decisions to the largest party in the alliance. Meanwhile, she confirmed that there will be no change regarding the Speaker of the Seimas, a post currently held by Social Democrat Juozas Olekas, who was appointed in September last year.

The coalition's policy agenda has also been discussed. Savickas said agreement had been reached on proposals to strengthen demographic policy, including measures to support families. Democrat MP Linas Kukuraitis noted that the coalition agreement will maintain a strong focus on family policy, with compensation mechanisms linked to childcare benefits and expansion of childcare and non-formal education services.

Farmers and Greens Union representative Aušrinė Norkienė said the coalition will retain an annex from the previous agreement listing issues on which her party may take a different position. These include civil partnerships, reproductive health policy, and certain education-related matters.

The current ruling coalition controls 80 seats in the 141-member Seimas. A new majority formed by the Social Democrats, Democrats, and Farmers and Greens Union would hold 75 seats. The coalition reshuffle follows growing tensions with the Nemunas Dawn party, particularly over parliamentary voting and public statements by its leader, Remigijus Žemaitaitis.