Lithuania's Political Landscape Shifts: Social Democrats Lead in Polls

Lithuanians are voting in a parliamentary election with the centre-left Social Democrats expected to surpass the centre-right government of Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte. Both major parties support Ukraine and criticize Russia, but domestic policies differ significantly. Coalition negotiations will be crucial as neither party is projected to win a majority alone.

Lithuanians head to the polls on Sunday for a crucial parliamentary election, where the opposition centre-left Social Democrats are projected to outpace the incumbent centre-right government led by Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte. While foreign policies on Ukraine and Russia align closely, domestic agendas mark stark contrasts.

The Social Democrats, capitalizing on voter concerns about inequality, promise to raise taxes on the wealthier to boost healthcare and social service funding. In contrast, Simonyte's centre-right Homeland Union touts a strong track record in managing state finances and enhancing national security.

In Lithuania's complex voting system, no party is likely to secure a majority independently, highlighting the importance of coalition negotiations. Historical context shows only one government has been re-elected since Lithuania's independence in 1990.

(With inputs from agencies.)