Coalition with Antisemitic Leadership Raises Concerns in Lithuania

Lithuania's Social Democrats form a coalition with the populist party Dawn of the River Neman, led by a controversial figure with a history of antisemitism, provoking unease among NATO allies, especially Germany.

Europe’s already complex political landscape further complicates as Lithuania’s Social Democrats announced their coalition with the populist party Dawn of the River Neman on November 8, 2024. This partnership includes the leadership of Remigijus Zemaitaitis, known for making antisemitic remarks, raising alarms among Western embassies and NATO allies.

Germany, which has been at the forefront of bolstering Lithuania's defenses by deploying a brigade of nearly 5,000 troops, is particularly unsettled by this coalition. Western allies, including Jewish organizations and Israel, worry about the implications of partnering with a party seen as extremist during a time when unity against external threats is crucial.

The coalition stems from a parliamentary election held the previous month, where the opposition Social Democrats secured 52 seats, leading the governing conservatives but falling short of a majority. In their attempts to form a government, they found common ground with smaller parties, leading to the agreement with the Dawn of the River Neman, which the American Jewish Committee has condemned for its antisemitic views.

Gintautas Paluckas, the deputy leader of the Social Democrats and likely future prime minister of Lithuania, expressed optimism about the coalition. However, the decision to include a party with a controversial leader who previously resigned from Parliament to dodge impeachment for antisemitic statements has created discord.

This development may have long-term implications for Lithuania’s governance and its relationship with NATO, as well as casting a shadow over broader European political alliances that have traditionally avoided the inclusion of extremist elements.