Lithuania’s Social Democratic Party (LSDP) said Monday that President Gitanas Nausėda’s refusal to appoint two ministerial nominees from its coalition partner Nemunas Dawn party does not amount to a breach of the ruling coalition agreement.
Party chair Mindaugas Sinkevičius told reporters after an evening board meeting that no member suggested the coalition pact was invalid or broken. He added that he and Prime Minister-designate Inga Ruginienė plan to meet with Nemunas Dawn’s parliamentary group Tuesday morning to discuss a way forward.
The remarks came after Nausėda rejected the nominations of Povilas Poderskis for environment minister and Mindaugas Jablonskis for energy minister, citing doubts about their ability to defend the public interest and resist outside influence.
In response, Nemunas Dawn leader Remigijus Žemaitaitis declared the coalition agreement void.
Sinkevičius said the most practical solution is for Nemunas Dawn to propose new candidates quickly, preferably by Tuesday or no later than Wednesday, given that the government program and Cabinet swearing-in are scheduled for September 23.
He also noted that coalition partners, including Farmers and Greens Union leader Aurelijus Veryga, share a calm and measured approach. “We are somewhat surprised that Žemaitaitis reacted so emotionally to the rejection of two candidates,” Sinkevičius said.
A meeting of all three coalition leaders is expected after Tuesday’s consultations.
Nausėda, who has already approved 12 of 14 Cabinet ministers, said on LRT TV that he is ready to consider new nominees but would not guarantee their approval. He also suggested one option could be for Nemunas Dawn to cede the energy portfolio to the Social Democrats – a possibility Sinkevičius did not rule out.
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