“Given the strategic importance, we agreed the decision will be taken after the party congress, when new leadership is elected,” Sinkevičius told reporters after a meeting of the LSDO Council. “We will not rush and have not made a final decision today.”
He said the pause leaves “a window for discussions, analysis and conversations” after the 1 May congress.
Sinkevičius acknowledged the current coalition tensions linked to Nemunas Dawn could have wider consequences.
“It may harm the state, as important decisions are either delayed or passed without the support of one partner,” he said.
He added that concerns were also raised about other coalition allies, including members of the joint group of the Farmers and Greens (LVŽS) and Christian Families Union who failed to back a bill establishing Kapčiamiestis military training area.
“If we question one partner’s behaviour on an issue of national security, we must also ask why another partner acted the same way,” he said.
On Thursday, the LSDP Council weighed three scenarios: maintaining the status quo, reshaping the coalition, or postponing a decision, according to the party leader.
“Neither the status quo nor reconstruction was chosen. We agreed to wait, assess the situation and decide after the congress,” Sinkevičius said.
He also presented an internal poll showing a divided electorate: 42% of LSDP supporters favour staying in the coalition, while 41% want change.
However, Sinkevičius declined to state his personal position, saying it would be announced at the congress.
The current ruling coalition includes LSDP, Nemunas Dawn and the group of the LVŽS and the Christian Families Union, holding a total of 81 seats in the 141-member Seimas.
The LSDP-led coalition would lose its clear majority in the Seimas if 18 Nemunas Dawn MPs left.