Aiming to Punish

Lithuanians will head to the polls this weekend in a closely-watched parliamentary election that could see the ruling center-right Homeland Union party lose power, amid rising discontent over inflation and widening income inequality, Reuters reported.

Recent polls show the Social Democrats leading with support at 18 percent, while Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė’s Homeland Union is trailing in third with nine percent, behind the anti-establishment, populist Nemunas Dawn party at 12 percent.

If the Social Democrats prevail, they will likely form a coalition with smaller center-left parties, as both major parties have ruled out an alliance with the Nemunas Dawn, led by former lawmaker Remigijus Žemaitaitis, who resigned from parliament after making anti-Semitic comments that led to a prosecution, wrote public broadcaster Lithuanian Radio and Television.

The Baltic country’s  2.4 million eligible voters will elect 141 members of parliament on Oct. 13, with a potential runoff vote on Oct. 27.

Although Lithuania’s economy has grown steadily, analysts said Šimonytė’s popularity has been marred by rising inflation, which topped 20 percent two years ago, as well as public frustration over income inequality and stretched healthcare services.

Voters have also criticized her administration’s strict pandemic measures and a surge of migrants from Belarus, which the government alleges was orchestrated by that neighboring country and Russia to destabilize the region, the Associated Press added.

Despite these challenges, defense remains a high priority, with both the Social Democrats and the Homeland Union supporting increased military spending.

The Social Democrats are proposing a budget boost to five percent from three percent of gross domestic product.

A recent poll found that three-quarters of Lithuanians fear a Russian attack.