Lithuanians will cast their votes on Sunday in the second and final round of parliamentary elections, with the outcome hanging in the balance, The Associated Press reports.
The conservative governing party, led by Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė, remains in contention despite gains made by the left-leaning opposition in the first round.
The election comes at a time when the governing party faces challenges stemming from strict COVID-19 measures, political scandals involving cabinet members, and an influx of migrants from neighboring Belarus.
While the outcome of the election will shape Lithuania’s political landscape for the next four years, analysts believe that despite a potential shift to the left, Lithuania’s foreign policy will remain largely unchanged.
The opposition Social Democrats, led by Vilija Blinkevičiūtė, emerged from the first round with a slight edge, securing 20 out of the first 70 seats, two more than Šimonytė’s Homeland Union party. Blinkevičiūtė has announced her intention to form a coalition with the center-left Democratic Union, which won eight seats, and a smaller third party.
However, a new political force, the Nemuno Aušra party, has emerged as a potential kingmaker. Led by Remigijus Žemaitaitis, who resigned from parliament earlier this year due to antisemitic statements, the party secured 15 seats in the first round.
While many traditional parties, including the Social Democrats, have ruled out any alliance with Nemuno Aušra, the party has announced its support for Blinkevičiūtė’s bid to become prime minister. This unexpected move could open the door for a potential minority government led by Šimonytė’s party.
The election is taking place against a backdrop of regional tensions, with voters concerned about the war in Ukraine and the ongoing migrant crisis.
