Lithuania Election Latest: Social Democrats Want Coalition with Populists

Vilnius, Lithuania

Following Sunday's parliamentary election in Lithuania, the Social Democratic Party has expressed its desire to form a coalition government with the populist Labour Party.

The Social Democrats, led by former Prime Minister Algirdas Butkevicius, won the most seats in the 141-member parliament, but fell short of a majority. The Labour Party, led by Viktor Uspaskich, came in third place.

Butkevicius has said that he is open to forming a coalition with any party that shares the Social Democrats' commitment to social justice and economic growth. However, he has ruled out working with the conservative Homeland Union, which came in second place in the election.

The Labour Party is a left-wing populist party that has been accused of corruption and xenophobia. However, it has a strong following among working-class voters.

A coalition between the Social Democrats and the Labour Party would be a significant development in Lithuanian politics. It would be the first time that the Social Democrats have formed a government with a populist party.

The negotiations between the two parties are expected to be difficult. The Social Democrats will be under pressure from their supporters to avoid making any concessions to the Labour Party. The Labour Party, on the other hand, will be looking to secure key positions in government.

If the two parties are able to reach an agreement, they will have a majority in parliament and will be able to form a stable government. However, they will also face a number of challenges, including the need to address the country's economic problems and to improve relations with Russia.