More than two minutes after the parliamentary elections, Lithuania already has a new government. However, it is a controversial three-party coalition led by the Social Democrats.
During the election campaign, the Social Democrats had ruled out an alliance with the right-wing populist Dawn of Nemunas, but that is apparently no longer the case. Social Democratic Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas, who won the parliamentary elections, signed a coalition agreement with Dawn and the center-left Democratic Union party on Monday. The three-party alliance has 86 of the 141 seats in parliament.
The party leader had to answer to court
Nemunas’ participation in the government has sparked criticism and outrage in Lithuania and internationally. The protest party, which became the third largest force in October’s elections, combines left-wing positions with a right-wing populist program.
However, the biggest concerns are directed at party leader Remigijus Zemaitaitis, who has repeatedly made anti-Semitic statements. As a result, the 42-year-old lost his mandate as a Member of Parliament in the spring and had to appear in court.
Criticism from Israel, Germany and the US
A demonstration against the inclusion of Nemunas’ Dawn Treader into the government is planned before the opening session of parliament on Thursday. There was also criticism from representatives of Israel, the US and Germany. Zemaitaitis, who is not on the agenda for government office, claimed in a letter to the ambassadors of EU and NATO countries and to Israel that he does not hold anti-Semitic views.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
