New Lithuanian ruling coalition charts a risky course

Significance The LSDP invited the populist Dawn of Nemunas party into the coalition, causing domestic and international backlash. Earlier this year, the Constitutional Court ruled that Dawn of Nemunas leader Remigijus Zemaitaitis made anti-Semitic statements. Impacts The coalition’s troubles could strengthen Nauseda’s influence. Zemaitaitis’s unpredictable behaviour may carry risks for the government’s long-term survival. The EU-wide grouping of Social Democrats may decide to sever ties with the LSDP.