The head of Lithuania's largest opposition party said he is ready to form an anti-populist coalition after the next general election in October 2020.
"I see a possibility to gather a nucleus of responsible parties before the election, and it could become an axis for a future coalition," said Gabrielius Landsbergis, the leader of conervative Homeland Union – Lithuanian Christian Democrats.
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Landsbergis told reports on Tuesday following his meeting with President Gitanas Nausėda that the conservatives would work with parties "that set themselves important state goals, do not set unrealistic goals, look at the state's management responsibly, do not avoid responsibility, meaning that these are not four-year parties".
"Responsibility is the opposite of populism," he added.
The Homeland Union – Lithuanian Christian Democrats was the most popular party in February, closely followed by the current ruling party, the Farmers and Greens Union, according to Vilmorus pollster.
Education in focus
"I am very glad I had an opportunity to present the the educational and ecology part of the [election] programme" to the president, Landsbergis said.
He also expressed doubt that parties would manage to sign a national education agreement before the forthcoming election.
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The conservatives propose to establish a network of state gymnasiums that would become "education magnets".
Presidential adviser Povilas Mačiulis said the head of state presented his proposals for the upcoming six months during the meting. The improvement of the public procurement procedure was the key focus, said Mačiulis.
Lithuania will hold a general election in October.
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