„If the Social Democratic Party is forced to choose between a coalition and Nemuno Aušra or 5.38% (for defence – ELTA), we will stick with 5.38%,“ Sinkevičius told reporters on Wednesday.
Žemaitaitis announced on Wednesday that if the ruling Social Democrats refuse to conduct an audit of the national defence system, Nemuno Aušra will withdraw from the coalition. According to him, the recently completed state audit of LRT was a good example of the ruling parties working together.
„When we conduct the national defence audit, which I am demanding. And if the Social Democrats do not want to do it, then Nemuno Aušra will definitely withdraw. I imagine that about 20% of the money in national defence is being wasted left and right,“ Žemaitaitis told Žinių Radijas on Wednesday.
„We will work as long as I see that the state needs us, as long as I see that the coalition can make decisions. The LRT audit is an example. (...) How much more can we, Nemuno Aušra, contribute to making the state more transparent?“ he emphasised.
As announced, with Social Democratic leader Mindaugas Sinkevičius and Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė repeating that the 5.38% of gross domestic product (GDP) earmarked for defence is an indisputable limit agreed upon by the coalition, the ruling Žemaitaitis, Chairman of Nemuno Aušra, has said on several occasions that the appropriations allocated to this area are excessive.
ELTA reminds us that the draft state budget for the coming period is currently being considered by Seimas committees, with 5.38% of GDP, or EUR 4.79 billion, earmarked for defence.
The state budget will be discussed in parliament in two stages – the second reading should take place by December 9, and the final vote on the draft state budget should take place by December 23.