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Lithuania coalition partner threatens to quit unless PM resigns

Tensions Escalate in Lithuanian Government: Coalition Partner Demands Prime Minister's Resignation

Vilnius, Lithuania – In a dramatic escalation of political tensions within Lithuania's ruling coalition, the Freedom Party has issued a stark ultimatum: Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė must resign, or the party will withdraw from the government. This threat, announced on Wednesday, has thrown the stability of the Baltic nation's administration into question, potentially paving the way for early elections or a reshuffled cabinet amid ongoing economic and geopolitical challenges.

The Freedom Party, a liberal-leaning junior partner in the center-right coalition, made its position clear through its leader, Aušrinė Armonaitė, who serves as the Minister of Economy and Innovation. In a press conference held in Vilnius, Armonaitė stated that the party's patience had worn thin due to what she described as a series of missteps by the prime minister. "We cannot continue to support a government led by someone who has lost the trust of the people and failed to address critical issues effectively," Armonaitė declared. She emphasized that the decision was not taken lightly but was necessary to restore public confidence in the leadership.

At the heart of this crisis is a confluence of factors that have plagued Šimonytė's tenure since she assumed office in December 2020. The coalition, comprising the Homeland Union-Lithuanian Christian Democrats (TS-LKD) led by Šimonytė, the Liberal Movement, and the Freedom Party, was formed after the 2020 parliamentary elections. It promised reforms in areas such as economic liberalization, social rights, and a firm stance against external threats from neighbors like Russia and Belarus. However, recent months have seen mounting dissatisfaction, particularly over the handling of inflation, energy prices, and domestic scandals.

One key trigger appears to be the fallout from a corruption probe involving high-ranking officials. Reports have surfaced alleging irregularities in public procurement during the COVID-19 pandemic, with critics pointing fingers at the government's response. Although Šimonytė has not been directly implicated, opposition parties and even some coalition members argue that her leadership has failed to prevent such issues, eroding the government's credibility. Additionally, Lithuania's economy has been battered by global events, including the war in Ukraine, which has driven up energy costs and inflation rates to double digits. The Freedom Party has accused the prime minister of being too slow in implementing relief measures for households and businesses, exacerbating public discontent.

Šimonytė, a former finance minister known for her technocratic approach and pro-EU stance, has defended her record vigorously. In a statement released shortly after the Freedom Party's announcement, she dismissed the ultimatum as "irresponsible politicking" that could destabilize the country at a critical time. "Lithuania faces existential threats from authoritarian regimes on our borders. Now is not the time for internal division," she said, referencing the ongoing migrant crisis orchestrated by Belarus and the broader security concerns stemming from Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Šimonytė highlighted achievements such as Lithuania's robust support for Ukraine, including military aid and advocacy within NATO and the EU, as evidence of her effective leadership.

The prime minister's party, the TS-LKD, holds the largest number of seats in the Seimas (Lithuania's parliament) with 50 out of 141, but relies on the 11 seats from the Liberal Movement and 11 from the Freedom Party to maintain a majority. If the Freedom Party follows through on its threat, the coalition would lose its parliamentary edge, forcing Šimonytė to either seek new partners, govern as a minority, or call for snap elections. Political analysts suggest that the Liberal Movement, another junior partner, might also waver, though its leader, Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen, who is the Speaker of the Seimas, has so far expressed support for Šimonytė.

This isn't the first time cracks have appeared in the coalition. Earlier this year, disagreements over social policies, such as same-sex partnerships and cannabis decriminalization—key priorities for the Freedom Party—led to heated debates. The Freedom Party, founded in 2019 and representing progressive urban voters, has often clashed with the more conservative elements of the TS-LKD. Armonaitė, a 30-year-old rising star in Lithuanian politics, has positioned her party as a champion of innovation and individual freedoms, contrasting with Šimonytė's focus on fiscal discipline and national security.

Public opinion polls reflect the growing unease. A recent survey by the polling firm Baltijos Tyrimai showed Šimonytė's approval rating dipping below 30%, with many respondents citing economic hardships as their primary concern. Inflation in Lithuania reached 22.4% in June, one of the highest in the EU, fueled by soaring food and energy prices. The government has introduced subsidies and tax cuts, but critics argue these measures are insufficient and poorly targeted. Moreover, the country's strategic position as a NATO frontline state has amplified the stakes. Lithuania has been at the forefront of sanctioning Russia and Belarus, even blocking rail transit to the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad earlier this year, which provoked threats from Moscow.

Opposition parties, including the Lithuanian Farmers and Greens Union and the Social Democrats, have seized on the coalition's infighting to call for Šimonytė's ouster. Ramūnas Karbauskis, leader of the Farmers and Greens, accused the government of incompetence in a parliamentary speech, urging immediate elections. "The people deserve better than this chaos," he said. Meanwhile, President Gitanas Nausėda, who has had a frosty relationship with Šimonytė since his election in 2019, has remained neutral but hinted at the need for stability. Under Lithuania's semi-presidential system, the president could play a pivotal role in any government reshuffle, potentially appointing a new prime minister if the coalition collapses.

The international community is watching closely. Lithuania's allies in the EU and NATO value its hawkish stance against Russian aggression, and any political instability could undermine regional security efforts. EU officials in Brussels have expressed concern, with one anonymous source telling reporters that "internal divisions in Vilnius could weaken the united front against Putin." Domestically, the crisis has sparked protests in major cities, with demonstrators demanding action on living costs and greater transparency.

As negotiations unfold behind closed doors, the Freedom Party has set a deadline of next week for Šimonytė to step down. Armonaitė indicated that her party is prepared to support a new TS-LKD leader, such as Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis, who is also the TS-LKD chairman and grandson of Lithuania's independence leader Vytautas Landsbergis. Landsbergis, a prominent figure in European diplomacy, has been floated as a potential successor, though he has publicly backed Šimonytė.

The coming days will be crucial for Lithuania's political landscape. If the coalition survives, it may emerge weakened, with concessions to the Freedom Party on policy fronts. A collapse, however, could lead to months of uncertainty, distracting from pressing issues like energy independence—Lithuania is pushing to wean off Russian gas—and bolstering defenses along the Belarusian border, where migrant pushbacks continue.

This episode underscores the fragility of coalition governments in small nations navigating global turbulence. For Šimonytė, a economist by training who steered Lithuania through the pandemic's economic fallout, the ultimatum represents the toughest challenge yet. Whether she resigns or fights on, the outcome will shape not only her legacy but also Lithuania's trajectory in an increasingly volatile Europe.

In the broader context, this internal strife highlights deeper societal divides in Lithuania, a country of 2.8 million that has transformed from a Soviet republic to a vibrant EU member since 2004. Urban progressives, represented by parties like Freedom, push for social reforms, while rural and conservative voters prioritize tradition and security. The coalition's formation was a delicate balance of these interests, now teetering on the brink.

Experts like political scientist Linas Kojala from the Eastern Europe Studies Centre in Vilnius warn that prolonged instability could embolden external adversaries. "Russia thrives on division within NATO allies," Kojala noted in an interview. "Lithuania must resolve this quickly to maintain its strong international standing."

As the nation holds its breath, the resolution of this crisis will test the resilience of Lithuanian democracy. Will Šimonytė bow to pressure, or will the coalition find a way to mend fences? The answers could redefine the country's leadership for years to come, influencing everything from economic policy to foreign relations in a region fraught with uncertainty.

Read the Full ThePrint Article at:
[ https://theprint.in/world/lithuania-coalition-partner-threatens-to-quit-unless-pm-resigns/2707855/ ]