Lithuania’s center-left opposition parties claimed victory on Monday, as the Social Democrats successfully unseated the ruling center-right coalition in national elections.
With all votes counted from Sunday’s polls, the Social Democrats emerged with 52 seats in the 141-member Seimas.
This effectively ended the four-year administration led by conservative Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė and her Homeland Union party, which managed to secure just 28 seats.
The Social Democrats, under the leadership of Vilija Blinkevičiūtė, are now set to form a majority government in partnership with two smaller center-left allies—the Democratic Union and the Union of Peasants and Greens—who won 14 and 8 seats respectively.
Vilija Blinkeviciute, leader of the Social Democratic Party receives flowers as exit poll results are announced in Vilnius, Lithuania, during the second round of parliamentary elections on Oct. 27, 2024. The Social Democratic Party won the election, overcoming the incumbent centre-right government.
Petras Malukas / AFP/Getty Images
Together, the coalition is expected to control at least 74 seats in the legislature.
In a victory speech in downtown Vilnius, Blinkevičiūtė thanked voters for their support and expressed optimism for a new chapter in Lithuanian politics.
“I am very grateful to the people of Lithuania who were so active today voting for us,” she said. “The results have shown that the people want change, a completely different government.”
The results were a blow to the incumbent conservatives, who were just two seats behind the Social Democrats in the election’s first round.
Acknowledging the defeat, Šimonytė referred to Lithuania’s political trend of change every election cycle.
“In Lithuania, that’s the way it is—every election we see the pendulum swinging in one direction or the other,” she remarked. “We respect the will of the voters.”
The outgoing Homeland Union government faced criticism for its strict pandemic policies, which many felt did not adequately support businesses or provide sufficient access to health care during lockdowns.
Šimonytė’s handling of the migrant influx via Belarus also drew backlash, with accusations that both Belarus and Russia were orchestrating the crisis to destabilize the region.
Lithuania’s foreign minister Gabrielius Landsbergis announced his resignation and a decision to exit politics following the election results.
How Will Lithuania’s Election Impact Ukraine?
The election comes at a critical time for Lithuania, a NATO and European Union member state that borders Russia’s Kaliningrad exclave to the west and Belarus to the east.
Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine has amplified regional concerns over security, but analysts believe Lithuania’s foreign policy stance is unlikely to shift significantly under the new administration.
The nation remains a firm supporter of Ukraine in its conflict with Moscow.
Economic Gains Not Enough to Sway Voters
Though Lithuania has experienced double-digit annual growth in personal income and maintains one of the lowest inflation rates within the 27-nation EU, many voters appeared unimpressed by the government’s performance.
Discontent over social policies overshadowed economic achievements, paving the way for the opposition’s victory.
Nationalist Party Excluded from Government
One notable outcome of the election is the exclusion of the nationalist and populist Nemuno Aušra party from the governing coalition.
Its leader, Remigijus Žemaitaitis, was forced to resign from parliament earlier this year over antisemitic remarks.
The party finished third with 20 seats but has been sidelined by the coalition.
Sunday’s voter turnout was relatively high for a runoff, reaching 41.31 percent.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press
