Lithuanian Social Democrats Move to Reshuffle Coalition, Cabinet Reshuffle Possible

(Central News Agency, Vilnius, June 6, Special Dispatch) A political shift is underway in Lithuania. The ruling Social Democratic Party (Social Democrats) decided on June 6 to push for a restructuring of the ruling coalition, planning to exclude the controversial populist party 'Nemunas Dawn'. The related adjustments may further affect a cabinet reshuffle and do not rule out the possibility of replacing the prime minister.

According to a report by the Lithuanian National Radio and Television (LRT), Social Democrats Chairman Mindaugas Sinkevicius stated that the current coalition has failed to bring national stability and criticized some partners for adopting increasingly radical stances. He emphasized that society needs stability, clear direction, and effective decision-making, not political turmoil.

Lithuania's current ruling coalition consists of three parties: the Social Democrats, 'Nemunas Dawn', and the 'Lithuanian Farmers and Greens Union'.

Sinkevicius pointed out that 'Nemunas Dawn' holds controversial positions on some strategic issues, including voting against the establishment of a new military training ground in parliament, and that controversies related to the party have impacted Lithuania's international image. The leader of 'Nemunas Dawn', Remigijus Žemaitaitis, was previously convicted by a court for anti-Semitic remarks.

The report indicates that this coalition restructuring is also related to the Social Democrats' intention to improve their image and boost approval ratings ahead of next year's local elections.

According to the report, the Social Democrats are in contact with the Democratic Union 'For Lithuania'. If this party replaces 'Nemunas Dawn' in the coalition, the parliamentary majority would drop from the current 80 seats to 75 seats, potentially making it more difficult to pass legislation in the future. The 'Lithuanian Farmers and Greens Union' will remain in the coalition.

Furthermore, according to unofficial sources cited by LRT, this restructuring may not only involve personnel changes in ministries but could also include replacing the prime minister. When asked if he would become prime minister, Sinkevicius did not directly answer but stated he 'will not evade responsibility'.

LRT reported that Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda welcomed the Social Democrats' decision, noting that factors contributing to the change included the rhetoric of 'Nemunas Dawn's' leadership, doubts about its funding sources, and its uncooperative stance on key national security bills.

Nausėda stated that a lack of consensus within the ruling coalition on fundamental domestic and foreign policy positions constitutes a governance problem and called for the government restructuring to be completed as soon as possible to focus on pressing issues.