Three Lithuanian Parties to Sign Coalition Agreement
Three Lithuanian political parties are set to sign a coalition agreement on Thursday, forming the country's 21st government, which is expected to be led by Social Democratic Party chairman Mindaugas Sinkevicius.
Parliamentary group leaders from Lithuania's Social Democratic Party, the Democrats "For Lithuania", and the Farmers and Christian Families Union will sign a coalition agreement on Thursday. The deal will form the basis for the 21st government, which is expected to be headed by Social Democratic Party leader Mindaugas Sinkevicius.
The coalition partners have divided ministerial portfolios. The Democrats "For Lithuania" will take charge of the Energy, Health, and Agriculture ministries. The Lithuanian Farmers and Greens Union, together with the Electoral Action of Poles in Lithuania – Christian Families Alliance, will retain the Justice and Economy ministries. The remaining nine ministries – Environment, Finance, Defence, Culture, Social Security and Labour, Transport, Education, Science and Sport, Foreign Affairs, and Interior – will be held by the Social Democrats.
The draft agreement stipulates that the partners will pursue centre-left, socially oriented, financially sustainable, and investment-friendly policies. They also pledge to avoid public disputes, the stoking of political tensions, and actions that could undermine government stability or Lithuania's national interests.
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. The new ruling majority, consisting of the Social Democrats, the Democrats, and the Farmers and Greens Union, will hold 75 seats in the Seimas.
