Parliamentary leaders of Lithuania’s Social Democratic Party, the Democrats “For Lithuania” and the Farmers and Christian Families Union signed a coalition agreement on Thursday.
The agreement forms a 75-seat majority in the Seimas, paving the way for the 21st government led by Social Democratic leader Mindaugas Sinkevicius. He will replace Inga Ruginienė, who served as prime minister for less than a year.
Under the deal, the Democratic Union “For Lithuania” will take control of the ministries of energy, health and agriculture. The Farmers and the Electoral Action of Poles in Lithuania–Christian Families Alliance group will lead the justice ministry and the economy and innovation ministry. The Social Democrats will manage the remaining nine ministries.
Coalition partners pledged to pursue socially oriented, financially sustainable and investment-friendly policies while avoiding public internal conflicts to ensure government stability. The agreement also stipulates that if the Prosecutor General’s Office requests the lifting of a lawmaker’s immunity, coalition members must support a simplified procedure.
The document acknowledges that members may hold differing views on ideological issues, family policy, bioethics and human rights. In such cases, the Coalition Council will determine whether a matter is a coalition commitment or a vote of conscience. In a separate annex, the Farmers’ group said it would not support the legalisation of civil partnerships or same-sex marriage, the Reproductive Health Law or several other family-related initiatives.
The new majority vowed to ensure Lithuania’s defence resilience, strengthen collective defence capabilities, civil protection and cyber resilience, while managing defence resources responsibly.
The agreement promises to implement key defence projects, including the development of an army division and preparations to host a German brigade. It also pledges increased focus on air defence and the creation of an anti-drone protection system.
In the social sphere, the coalition plans to reform the family benefit system, aim for free meals for all primary school students and expand access to preschool education. There are also plans for increased investment in road infrastructure, regional connectivity and the public transport network.
The deal includes an objective to normalise diplomatic relations with China to a level of representation consistent with other European Union member states, while maintaining Lithuania’s sovereignty, national security and the European Union’s common position.
The updated coalition agreement was approved this week by the governing bodies of all three political forces.
In early June, the Social Democrats terminated their coalition agreement with Nemunas Dawn and invited the Union of Democrats “For Lithuania” to join the ruling majority instead.
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