Lithuanian Political Landscape in Flux as Social Democrats Weigh Next Steps
The Lithuanian political scene is undergoing notable shifts as the Social Democratic Party (LSDP) prepares to name its candidate for Prime Minister following the resignation of Gediminas Paluckas. Recent discussions between the acting party leader, Mindaugas SinkeviÄ ius, and President Gitanas NausÄ-da centered on potential candidates, coalition dynamics, and the urgent need for political stability.
Presidential Discussions Focus on Stability and Candidates
sinkeviÄ ius reported a thorough discussion with President NausÄ-da,covering the political situation,the duty of the Social Democrats – as the winning party in the seimas elections – to stabilize the current crisis,and the formation of a future coalition. “We discussed the political situation, the responsibility of the Social Democrats, as the party that won the Seimas elections, in this crisis situation to stabilize it. We also touched upon all issues on the political agenda, and briefly discussed next year’s budget – but we must not forget that turbulence is happening in political life, but people are waiting for decisions, not intrigues,” sinkeviÄ ius stated.
The pair also exchanged evaluations of potential Prime Ministerial candidates already known to the public. “I heard the President’s assessment of myself and my colleagues. Everything was understood in a businesslike manner. The party will announce its verdict on Wednesday as to who is the most suitable candidate,” SinkeviÄ ius confirmed. However, he remained noncommittal regarding his own candidacy. “The President did not express any objections to me or doubts about the possibility of me being one of the contenders, but he also said positive things about other possible options. Nothing was agreed or decided today,” he added.
Navigating the Coalition Landscape
A key focus of the conversation was the potential shape of a new governing coalition. SinkeviÄ ius indicated that President NausÄ-da emphasized the importance of stability. “We touched on coalition work. The President’s desire is the same as ours – that stability in the country be ensured, so that when the autumn session begins on September 10, we can work, not get bogged down in intrigues, maneuvering, and reshuffling,” SinkeviÄ ius explained. He underscored the need to consider national security and potential threats, highlighting the shared interest in political stability.
SinkeviÄ ius stated that initial discussions regarding a new coalition will prioritize conversations with current partners – the Democrats and “Aušra.” “No one has withdrawn from the coalition, despite various statements. We will meet soon, if not this week, then next. One party leader is away, I have spoken with S. Skvernelis by phone. We will begin political consultations, as they took place today with the President,” he said.
Regarding past statements suggesting a willingness to form a coalition with “Nemuno Aušra” had he been Prime Minister previously, SinkeviÄ ius affirmed that his position remains unchanged. “I am not saying that I have forgotten, I do not remember or did not say so. I did say so. That opinion probably remains valid. But we are not a one-person party – not M. SinkeviÄ ius, not G. Paluckas, not V. BlinkeviÄ iūtė decide with whom we will go, with whom we will not go, and what we will do. The whole community decides,” he clarified. He anticipates a renewed discussion within the party regarding coalition partners and the potential for maintaining the current coalition status quo, likely occurring in the autumn.
Mathematical Realities and Ministerial Changes
SinkeviÄ ius acknowledged that forming a stable coalition requires more than just political alignment. “Sometimes in politics it happens that you want to work with someone or would like not to work with someone,but without desires,without political affiliation,without political programs,commitments,identity,left or right,there is also mathematics,unluckily. And these are not exams where you could add 10 points or additional mandates,” he noted. He emphasized the importance of a “mathematical majority” for a stable government.
He also indicated that changes in ministerial positions are likely in the new government. “R. Žemaitis told me by phone that they are planning to change [ministers]. S. Skvernelis, I understand, does not have such intentions. It is indeed likely that the Social Democrats will discuss changes,” he stated.
Tho, SinkeviÄ ius admitted to discontent within the Social Democratic community regarding the ultimatums issued by Seimas Speaker Saulius Skvernelis and the overall behavior of the Democrats within the coalition. “The coalition agreement states ‘respect’ and ‘partnership’ as general principles. I look at what is happening: torpedoing, criticism with a proposal – it looks strange. Perhaps it is not entirely correct, but the Bible has the ninth commandment – do not covet your neighbour’s wife or husband. So, in a political context, partners should not covet each other’s ministries and should not offer themselves. If we respect each other and want that partnership,” he said.
Decision Looms on Wednesday
SinkeviÄ ius is among those within the LSDP being considered for the position of Prime Minister. Another potential candidate,Social Democrat Juozas Olekas,previously met with the President’s chief Advisor,Frederikas Janson,rather than President NausÄ-da directly. The Social Democrats will decide on their Prime Ministerial candidate at a presidium meeting on Wednesday.
The entire government, along with Paluckas, will resign on Monday, with a final meeting scheduled for the morning. The President will then appoint an interim Prime Minister until a new government is formed. Paluckas announced his resignation from both the Prime Minister and Social Democratic leader positions on Thursday, first informing President NausÄ-da.
Currently, Juozas Olekas, Inga Ruginienė, the acting party leader Mindaugas SinkeviÄ ius, and Vilnius District Municipality Mayor Robertas Duchnevičius are considered the most likely candidates for Prime Minister.Recent journalistic investigations into Paluckas’s past, business ties, and questionable transactions have further elaborate the political landscape.
