„I think this is a mistake. Even though no decisions will be made and information will be exchanged, there will be a discussion about the concerns of some parties about whether we can invest so much and whether we need to invest so much. The fact that representatives of Nemuno Aušra will not be present is not good,“ Paluckas told reporters on Tuesday.
„It doesn't mean we won't be able to compensate for it afterwards, but it will be extra work. We could all get together tomorrow and talk about it,“ he noted.
The Prime Minister indicated that he, other party leaders, and President Gitanas Nausėda will exchange views on what sources could be used to finance the additional defence allocations.
Susiję straipsniai
The Social Democrat also hopes that the meeting will dispel some politicians' scepticism about the need to increase the national defence budget.
„Tomorrow, there is a meeting – a discussion. It is an exchange of views and, as I said, a dispelment of certain doubts, fears, and ignorance.
And this is a healthy, reasonable exercise that political parties and Head of State must do occasionally. I think we will certainly deepen and increase awareness on this issue,“ he noted.
Although President Nausėda has said that during the meeting, he would seek to discuss the possibility of renewing the parliamentary parties' agreement on defence, the Prime Minister remains sceptical about the idea, saying that what is essential is the actual spending on defence, not additional contracts.
„Today, we are putting money on the table. I don't see much point in talking about some separate agreements. Of course, if the President initiates it, we can talk about it. But today, I must find the money, the billions, and put it on the table so the coalition and the parliament can decide. Everything else is side work, optional work and activities“, he concluded.
As previously reported, on Tuesday, Žemaitaitis confirmed to Elta that he would not attend the meeting of party chairmen with Nausėda. In addition, the Nemuno Aušra members will not delegate any representative to the discussion at the Presidential Palace.
„No, we will not attend. I am in Brussels myself, and I have a session of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly to attend, but I will be back in the evening,“ the politician said.
Žemaitaitis believes that this decision is due to his busy agenda.
The Presidency quickly appreciated this decision.
„Sometimes we each have to decide with whom and where we are. Lithuania is dealing with its own challenges; Mr Žemaitaitis (Jansonas asked to write his name with a lowercase letter – ELTA) is dealing with his own. It is good that it has finally become clear who is on which side,“ Elta told Frederikas Jansonas, the Chief Adviser to the country's leader.
Last week, President Nausėda hinted that he would invite parliamentary parties to discuss renewing the national defence agreement.
The President also intends to discuss possible sources of increased funding for defence with politicians.
The PSC (VGT) met in January and agreed to allocate 5–6% of GDP annually to national defence for 2026–2030. According to the Head of State, the level of funding should be maintained at 5.5% of GDP over the four years.
The last defence agreement was signed by many parliamentary parties in 2022. In it, the political forces committed to maintaining funding for national defence at a minimum of 2.5% of GDP.