Lithuania's Social Democrats Win Election, Prioritize Defense Amid Russia Concerns

The newly elected government plans to increase defense spending and maintain strong support for Ukraine as coalition talks begin.

Lithuania's Social Democratic Party, led by Vilija Blinkevičiūtė, secured 52 seats in the 141-member parliament, ending the conservative administration's four-year term.
The party plans to increase defense spending to at least 3.5% of GDP, emphasizing national security due to perceived threats from Russia.
Coalition negotiations are underway with the Democratic Union and the Union of Peasants and Greens to form a majority government.
The outgoing Homeland Union party, led by Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė, won 28 seats, prompting the resignation of foreign minister Gabrielius Landsbergis.
Despite economic growth, voter dissatisfaction with social policies contributed to the opposition's victory, while the nationalist Nemunas Dawn party remains excluded from the coalition.