The Social Democratic Party has drafted a new government program, now under review by coalition partners who are seeking to add their own priorities.
The Nemunas Dawn party is pressing for more government control over state-owned companies, including the buyback of shares in the energy group Ignitis. The Lithuanian Farmers and Greens Union (LVŽS) is calling for higher excise taxes on tobacco and alcohol, while also proposing to strike some Social Democratic provisions from the plan, such as free contraception.
Former Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas, when presenting an earlier version of the programme in December, said economic growth and stronger public finances were the main priorities. Social Democrats now say the new draft is an updated version of that plan, emphasising social measures alongside growth.
“The priority of economic growth remains, but it is now reinforced by a strong social dimension,” said Vytenis Andriukaitis, honorary chairman of the Social Democratic Party. “We are also addressing important issues – keeping health care facilities open, preserving schools and classes.”
The party has shared the draft with its coalition partners. According to Andriukaitis, Nemunas Dawn submitted eight additional proposals, including a commitment to strengthen bilateral relations with all countries, excluding Russia and Belarus.
Specifically, the party thinks Vilnius should reverse its policies that have alienated China and Georgia. “When riots were shaking Georgia, this was presented [in Lithuania] as something criminal and reprehensible done by the Georgian government,” said Nemunas Dawn lawmaker Dainius Varnas.
Ignitis, the country’s largest energy group 75% owned by the state, remains central to the party’s agenda. “Ignitis is the most prominent, but we are also talking about Lithuanian Railways, the ports, and other companies where the state should exercise greater control,” said Varnas.
The Farmers and Greens Union, meanwhile, is pushing higher excise taxes on alcohol and tobacco, arguing it will discourage their use and the revenue could support family policies. Party chairman Aurelijus Veryga acknowledged the proposal faces opposition from the presidency, which has earmarked the funds for defence.
Veryga also wants to eliminate provisions he says conflict with family policy goals, including a Social Democratic plan to provide free contraception. “It makes no sense to say we want to increase the birth rate while also making everything possible so children do not appear,” he said.
Social Democrat Birutė Vėsaitė, author of the reproductive health proposal, said she will continue to push for it in parliament even if it is cut from the coalition agreement. “We may find support among conservatives and liberals, so we are not losing hope,” she said.
The Electoral Action of Poles in Lithuania–Christian Families Alliance (LLRA-KŠS), whose two members are included in the coalition, has also submitted priorities. For the party, whose electoral base is Lithuania’s Polish-speaking minority, these are higher child benefits, completion of land restitution in major cities such as Vilnius, and guarantees for regional and minority schools.
Party leader Waldemar Tomaszewski said these points have already been included in the coalition agreement, with deadlines for implementation still under discussion.
The government programme is scheduled to be presented to parliament next Wednesday as the autumn session begins.
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