Lithuanian Social Democrats to decide fate of member who defied party order

The Lithuanian Social Democratic Party (LSDP) faces internal discord as it grapples with Kęstutis Vilkauskas's defiance of a party decision. O. Leiputė, a politician within the party, expressed surprise at Vilkauskas's actions, emphasizing that as a long-standing member, he should understand party rules and the necessity of adhering to collective decisions.

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I was surprised because I think Kęstutis, as a long-time member of the Social Democratic Party, really knows our rules and generally understands that if a decision is made, it must be implemented. If you disagree with it, you can discuss it, you can express your position, or, if you fail to convince, then do not hinder the implementation of that decision. In this case, by acting this way, he hindered the implementation of our adopted decision. And how everything will proceed, we will certainly discuss both in the faction and perhaps in the party board.

Leiputė stated that if a member disagrees with a decision, they should engage in discussion or express their position, but ultimately, they should not impede its implementation. Vilkauskas's behavior is seen as directly obstructing the party's adopted resolution. The party leadership and its faction will discuss the matter further, with hopes of resolving it during the upcoming Seimas autumn session in September.

Leiputė expressed confidence that the issue can be resolved, noting her long acquaintance with Vilkauskas and her hope that he is a conscious member who regrets his actions. She mentioned that alternatives for his political career were discussed, and she anticipates he will initiate a conversation about the situation. The final decision on how to proceed will depend significantly on Vilkauskas's own response and willingness to engage.

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Kęstutis's decision surprised everyone. I understand that one can disagree, one can not participate in the vote, act like that, well, I don't know what he is thinking about in the future.

The LSDP presidium made the decision to replace Vilkauskas as the chairman of the Seimas Culture Committee. However, during a secret ballot within the committee, the vote to remove him was tied, with four members voting for removal and four against. Vilkauskas himself refused to step down. Leiputė indicated that the proposal to remove him came from the LSDP faction, and Vilkauskas was informed of potential changes in advance. She stressed that party membership involves teamwork, and when decisions are made, rotations and changes are part of the process, especially in a large faction where members should have opportunities to develop.

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Arguments were made and it was discussed many times in various formats. And when a person belongs to an organization, it is not an individual player, it is teamwork. And if decisions are made, there are changes, there are rotations. There was even a discussion in the presidium that committee leaders or commission leaders should be rotated annually, because the faction is large, people could realize themselves more.