Lithuania’s new coalition government, led by Social Democrat Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas, took office on Thursday. The coalition includes the Nemunas Dawn party, whose leader, Remigijus Zemaitaitis, is on trial for alleged antisemitic statements and the Democratic Union “Vardan Lietuvos”. The government plans to raise taxes for high earners, enhance health and education services, and support Ukraine financially at 0.25% of Lithuania’s GDP annually.
Symbolically, Prime Minister Paluskas spoke with his Ukrainian counterpart, Denys Shmyhal.
“In my first few hours as the Head of Government, I spoke with the Ukrainian PM, reaffirming our unwavering support to Ukraine in the face of ongoing Russia’s war and our commitment to Ukraine’s victory – the sole path to just & lasting peace in Europe. Waiting to meet @Denys_Shmyhal in Kyiv!” Paluskas wrote on X.
As a member of NATO and the European Union, Lithuania aims to maintain defence spending at 3.5% of GDP. It will avoid any relations with Russian authorities during the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Interestingly, the government has identified China as an emerging security challenge, stating, “China’s strategic partnership with Russia and the growth of its influence in Belarus is a threat,” in a manifesto approved by parliament.
Lithuania has close relations with Taiwan, and the new government’s eventual pro-China turn may threaten years of efforts.
Following elections, Paluckas formed the coalition to secure a parliamentary majority, despite initial promises to exclude the Nemunas Dawn party, resulting in public protests. Zemaitaitis faces charges for inciting hostility towards Jews and downplaying the Holocaust, claiming the trial is politically motivated.
Last week, parliament voted to strip Zemaitaitis of his parliamentary immunity, allowing a trial to proceed on charges of “attempting to create hostility and provoke intolerance towards Jews,” as well as downplaying the Holocaust in his social media posts.
Paluckas led the Social Democrats from 2017 to 2021. However, in 2012, Lithuania’s highest court upheld a guilty verdict against him for illegally influencing the outcome of a public tender while he was head of the Vilnius municipality administration.
