In Vilnius, Lithuania, over 5,000 demonstrators gathered outside parliament in cold, rainy weather to protest the Social Democrats’ decision to form a coalition government with the Nemunas Dawn Party, led by Remigijus Zemaitaitis, who is currently on trial for alleged antisemitic comments. The Social Democrats, along with Nemunas Dawn and For Lithuania parties, secured a majority with 86 seats in the 141-member parliament, with members sworn in on Thursday. Zemaitaitis, who resigned from parliament earlier this year amid impeachment proceedings, has denied the accusations of inciting hostility toward Jews. Despite opposition, Social Democrat leader Gintautas Paluckas defended the coalition, asserting that the election result reflects the public’s choice. President Gitanas Nauseda, however, has criticized the coalition and warned of the risks of promoting hatred. The new government is set to take office in December.
