Lithuanians protest as party leader accused of antisemitism prepares to join government

Around 5,000 people protested outside the Lithuanian parliament in Vilnius on Thursday to protest against the inclusion in the government coalition of a populist party whose leader is on trial for antisemitic statements.

The election-winning Social Democratic Party (LSDP) announced last Friday it will form a coalition with Nemunas Dawn and the center-left For Lithuania parties.

Nemunas Dawn party founder and head Remigijus Žemaitaitis originally resigned from the parliament in April following a court ruling that he violated the constitution by making antisemitic statements on social media. In a separate case still pending in court, he is accused of inciting hatred against Jewish people. Žemaitaitis denies any wrongdoing.

The protests took place after the first session of the Lithuanian parliament, during which the new members of parliament were sworn in. When Žemaitaitis took his oath, liberals and conservatives left the hall.

Meanwhile, the protesters outside called on the government to exclude Nemunas Dawn from the coalition.

“We are gathering to show that there are people who believe that there must be red lines and decency criteria in politics. One of them is zero tolerance of anti-Semitism,” the organizers said in a statement.

By forming a coalition with Nemunas Dawn, the Social Democrats backtracked on their electoral pledge not to do so.

Lithuania’s President Gitanas Nausėda previously called the coalition “a mistake” and vowed he won’t appoint ministers proposed by Nemunas Dawn, which is within his purview as he approves the government.

Gintautas Paluckas, who is expected to become prime minister, said that demonstrators are disputing election results, and that he doesn’t see any rational reason to protest against the coalition.

Around 30 Lithuanian NGOs also signed a letter urging the Social Democrats to drop Nemunas Dawn from the coalition, saying the party would have a negative impact on human rights, democracy and national security. U.S., Polish and German officials also criticized the newly formed coalition.

The new government is expected to be sworn into office in December.