Lithuanian parties to sign coalition deal for new government

Lithuania's Social Democrats (LSDP), the Democrats, and the "Peasants" are finalizing a coalition agreement to form the country's 21st government. The LSDP's faction elder, Orinta Leiputė, described the negotiations as "quick and smooth" but "intensive," noting that some proposals from the Democrats and Peasants will be incorporated into the coalition agreement and the government's program.

Mindaugas Sinkevičius, the LSDP chairman, is poised to become prime minister. Social Democrat Juozas Olekas is expected to continue leading the Seimas (parliament). The coalition parties have agreed on ministry allocations: the Democrats "Vardan Lietuvos" will oversee the Ministries of Agriculture, Energy, and Health. The ruling LSDP will retain control of nine ministries, while the Lithuanian Peasants and Greens Union faction will manage the Ministries of Economy and Innovation, and Justice.

Sinkevičius anticipates clarity on the new cabinet's composition after the Joninės holiday. This coalition formation follows the LSDP's decision in early June to alter the ruling majority, excluding "Nemuno aušra" and initiating talks with the Democrats "Vardan Lietuvos." The current majority holds 80 seats in the Seimas; the new coalition is projected to have 75 seats. Tensions within the existing coalition had risen after some partners did not support the establishment of the Kapčiamiestis military training ground.

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The negotiations went quickly and smoothly, but the process was intensive. Perhaps the easier course is also because we had the 19th Government, when a coalition was being formed. Some things were discussed and debated. Now some of the proposals made by both Democrats and Peasants will be included in the coalition agreement, and some things will be included in the Government's program.