Skvernelis admits that coalition partners earlier backed Žemaitaitis’ bid for deputy speaker

Seimas Speaker Saulius Skvernelis says the leaders of the ruling majority had agreed that Nemunas Dawn leader Remigijus Žemaitaitis could become his deputy before the coalition agreement was inked. The situation has significantly changed since the verbal agreement, according to the chair of the Democrats For Lithuania.

"[The party] was promised two positions. This was the agreement. And one of them could have been taken by Remigijus Žemaitaitis. There was such talk. But circumstances have changed. At least, we need to return to the status quo that existed before the coalition agreement was signed," Skvernelis told reporters in the Seimas on Tuesday.

He highlighted that the legal situation has also changed substantially.

"There are new legal proceedings ongoing, and there are statements by the president, both before and after the signing of the coalition agreement. (…) The relationship and communication of one of the coalition partners with the president seem to me inappropriate as well," Skvernelis said.

However, the Seimas speaker said he does not support the view of President Gitanas Nausėda that the coalition partners should demand self-control from those causing tensions.

"We need to work on concrete things that were promised to the people. The drama that is being created is completely unviable, absolutely unviable," Skvernelis stated, adding that the Coalition Council should convene to resolve Žemaitaitis’ issue.