Lithuania’s governing coalition is set to continue despite growing tensions between its partners over plans for a new military training ground in Kapčiamiestis, party leaders have said on Tuesday. However, the leading Social Democrats have signalled they will review the coalition’s future later this month.
Lithuania's Social Democratic Party leader Mindaugas Sinkevičius has acknowledged that the coalition with Nemunas Dawn is damaging his party's reputation – but said there are currently no viable alternatives.
"We understand clearly, as we are not political newcomers, that there is a certain reputational burden arising from situations and events, and it weighs on us, undoubtedly so," Sinkevičius told public broadcaster LRT on Wednesday.
Sinkevičius promised to discuss a formal assessment of the situation within the Lithuania’s Social Democratic Party council later this month.
The vote that exposed the rift
On March 24, the Seimas approved the establishment of the Kapčiamiestis training ground in the Lazdijai district at its first reading, with 102 votes in favour, 10 against and 6 abstentions.
The measure passed only with opposition support. All votes against came from within the ruling majority – including 7 lawmakers from Nemunas Dawn, including party leader Remigijus Žemaitaitis, and 3 members of the Farmers, Greens and Christian Families Union.
Sinkevičius called the result unacceptable, accusing coalition partners of breaching a formal agreement reached in January.
“It was recorded in the minutes, very clearly written down. I cannot say it is nothing,” he said, adding that the party would collectively assess whether such behaviour was acceptable.
“This is probably one of the first cases where coalition forces were insufficient – that indicates not everything is functioning properly,” he said.
Partners hold firm – for now
Žemaitaitis reiterated that he personally would not support the Kapčiamiestis project, arguing that strengthening air defence should take priority. He did not, however, rule out that some members of his party might change their position ahead of future votes.
"Time will tell," he said. "I think we will certainly keep going – unless something extraordinary happens."
Ligita Girskienė, leader of the Lithuanian Farmers and Greens Union, said there had been no discussion about the coalition collapsing. "We are continuing our work in this format – there has been no talk of forming a new coalition," she said.
No easy way out
Despite this, Sinkevičius acknowledged that the Social Democrats have few realistic options. Working with the Conservatives or the Liberals, he said, was highly unlikely, and other potential partners offered no cleaner path.
He also stressed that the party had no appetite for a minority government. "Any alternatives must be clearly and carefully planned so as to avoid causing a greater crisis in the state," he said.
Asked directly whether the coalition would survive, Sinkevičius replied: "At this moment, yes."
The Kapčiamiestis training ground forms part of Lithuania's broader plans to develop a national military division and accommodate a German brigade, which requires expanded space for exercises. Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas has said manoeuvres at the site could begin in 2028.
The president's office has said the coalition should be capable of resolving such disagreements without relying on opposition votes.
Update: added quotes from Wednesday interview, restructured the article for clarity.
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