Landsbergis after meeting President: Peasant & Greens’ lines remain

“The same red lines drawn by the Peasant and Green Union before the elections remain. Clearly, they are not stepping back (…) and such form is unacceptable,” Landsbergis told journalists at the President’s Office.

Andrius Kubilius, one of the party’s top leaders, was also present at the meeting.

When asked about the conservatives’ possible participation in the ruling coalition, Landsbergis said the questions should be directed to the president.

“Our view of the situation is similar – it is not simple or easy. No easy decisions are in the cards,” said the politician.

In Landsbergis’ words, the negotiating group for coalition talks with the Peasant and Green Union would include him, Kubilius, Ingrida Šimonytė, Dainius Kreivys and Irena Degutienė.

The conservatives’ leader said the negotiations would only be possible, if the Peasant and Green Union refrained from simultaneous talks with the Social Democrats. The conservatives would also want to see the Liberal Movement in the ruling bloc.

“We see a strong right-wing coalition, and the Liberal Movement is an important strategic partner, (…) both in the ruling majority and in the opposition,” said Landsbergis.

Meanwhile, Kubilius said the conservatives do not know the Peasant and Green Union as well as they know other bigger parties, which can complicate the talks.

“I would use a physics concept here – a vaguely known value. And this circumstance does not help negotiations or conversations with such party. We would indeed like to see and realize what the party and its leadership are, as we have seen rather different behavior lately. Some rational behavior from Saulius Skvernelis and not so rational behavior from Ramūnas Karbauskis,” said Kubilius.

The conservatives won 31 mandates in Lithuania’s 141-seat parliament and came in 2 nd, behind the Peasant and Green Union with 56 mandates.