Lithuanian Farmers and Greens Union joins ruling coalition

Lithuania's Farmers and Greens Union (LVŽS) has officially decided to join the newly forming ruling majority, endorsing a coalition agreement after a party council meeting. The decision saw overwhelming support, with 57 out of 58 members present voting in favor, signaling a unified stance within the party led by Aurelijus Veryga.

"Today, there was only one item on the meeting agenda – participation in the new coalition and the new coalition agreement. We presented the entire negotiation process, what is supplemented (in the agreement). We had a discussion and a vote," Veryga told ELTA. He further elaborated that the party's participation in the coalition and its agreement have been decided, with only a minor technical issue remaining regarding an addendum to the coalition agreement.

The political landscape is shifting as the Lithuanian Social Democratic Party (LSDP) announced its leader, Mindaugas Sinkevičius, would take responsibility for leading the government. Sinkevičius will succeed the current Prime Minister, I. Ruginienė. This move follows the LSDP's decision earlier in June to alter the governing majority, removing "Nemuno aušra" and initiating consultations with the "Vardan Lietuvos" Democrats.

Coalition negotiations have progressed, with parties agreeing on ministerial portfolios. The "Vardan Lietuvos" Democrats are set to oversee the Ministries of Agriculture, Energy, and Health. The LSDP will continue to lead nine ministries, while the LVŽS faction will retain oversight of two ministries. Specific candidate names for these positions have not yet been revealed, and the coalition agreement is slated for signing this week. The agreement commits to implementing the XXI Government's program, indicating the formation of a new cabinet, distinct from the current XX Government.