On Thursday, November 14th, the streets outside the Lithuanian parliament in Vilnius were filled with demonstrators expressing their outrage over a contentious political alliance.
The protests were triggered by the Social Democrats, the winners of Lithuania’s recent parliamentary elections, forming a coalition with the Nemunas Dawn party whose leader, Remigijus Zemaitaiti, is currently on trial for alleged antisemitic statements.
He has publicly quoted an antisemitic rhyme about killing Jews in his criticism of Israeli actions in the West Bank and has been criticised for other remarks seen as minimising the Holocaust.
Žemaitaitis has also been criticised previously for his pro-Russian remarks, opposition to sanctions on Russia, and connections with Germany’s far-right AfD party.
He is also a supporter of Donald Trump, appearing on TV wearing a “Make America Great Again” cap.
The scene outside the Seimas, Lithuania’s parliament, was marked by impassioned chants and banners bearing slogans such as “No to Hate in Government!” and “Protect Democratic Values.”
Protesters included a diverse group of citizens—students, activists, and representatives of Lithuania’s Jewish community—united in their concern over the potential normalisation of hate speech in national politics.
Background to the Controversy
Accusations against Zemaitaiti include public statements that allegedly perpetuate harmful stereotypes and incite prejudice. While the politician has denied these charges, claiming his words were taken out of context, the case has raised broader questions about the limits of free speech and the responsibility of public figures to uphold ethical standards.
Critics argue that by forming a coalition with this party, the Social Democrats are compromising on principles of tolerance and inclusion. They worry this alliance could embolden extremist rhetoric and erode Lithuania’s commitment to combating hate speech.
A Test of Democratic Values
For many, this political maneuver represents more than a pragmatic decision to secure a governing majority—it is seen as a test of Lithuania’s democratic values. Protesters accuse the Social Democrats of prioritizing power over principles, with some arguing that the coalition legitimizes prejudice.
“We cannot allow a leader who spreads hate to have a seat at the table of power,” said one protester, a university student holding a banner that read, “Democracy Not Division.”
Another demonstrator, a Holocaust survivor, emphasised the historical weight of the issue. “Lithuania has a painful history with antisemitism. This coalition feels like a betrayal of our progress as a society.”
Reactions from Political Leaders
The Social Democrats have defended their decision, emphasizing the need to form a stable government to address pressing national issues such as economic inequality and energy security. Speaking at a press conference, the party’s leader acknowledged the controversy but argued that political alliances often involve difficult compromises.
“We do not condone any form of hate speech,” he said. “However, we must consider the broader picture and work together to serve the interests of all Lithuanians.”
The protests have drawn international attention, with several Jewish organisations and human rights groups condemning the coalition.
The Simon Wiesenthal Center, a prominent human rights organisation, released a statement urging Lithuania’s leaders to uphold democratic values and reject any form of alliance that risks legitimizing antisemitism.
Domestically, the controversy has reignited discussions about Lithuania’s efforts to confront its historical relationship with antisemitism. The country has made significant strides in acknowledging its role during the Holocaust, but the issue remains sensitive. For many, this political alliance feels like a step backward in addressing historical injustices.
The coalition agreement is expected to be formally approved in the coming days, but the public outcry suggests this will not be the end of the debate. Analysts predict that the controversy could influence future elections, potentially weakening the Social Democrats’ standing among their more progressive supporters.
Meanwhile, the legal proceedings against the smaller party’s leader continue, adding an additional layer of uncertainty to the political landscape. Should he be convicted, it could force a reevaluation of the coalition and further complicate Lithuania’s governance.
