Situation around one of the ruling party’s split has begun to rock Lithuania’s political boat. The National Resurrection Party formed just few months before the Seimas elections last year has split and having a damaging effect on Seimas’ and all political establishment. Autumn might see changes in the ruling coalition and possibly a new Seimas’ Speaker.

Mr Arunas Valinskas, a founder of the party and the best showbiz representative in Lithuania has flew to the peak of the Lithuanian political establishment only in half year. Valinskas party received 16 mandates, joined the ruling coalition, managed to get two Ministerial positions and the Seimas Speaker post (which went to Valinskas). However, even though the party’s faction managed to expand to 19 mandates the party split after the Presidential elections in July. Six MPs, headed by the Valinskas himself has left the political faction to create their own, and called it Azuolas (Oak) faction. The remaining MPs did not follow Mr Valinskas and remained in the faction under the same name.

A peculiar situation, to say the least. The Oak faction with six MPs is holding two ministerial positions and Seimas’ Speaker post. The remaining 13 still claiming to represent the Resurrection party, but the party’s council, which is loyal to Valinskas has dismissed some of their members from the party. However, those who were dismissed will call the national party congress in order to question the position of Mr. Valinskas. It is unclear who will come to the congress. The situation gets even more confusing since the party’s new statute is not certified by the Ministry of Justice because the leader of the party Mr Valinskas did not sign the document yet.

This confusing situation developed before August, the political vacation season. Therefore, the coalition is still legally intact with both political faction are part of it. Nevertheless the status quo will have to change after Seimas will convene for the autumn session on 10 September. The Resurrection of Oak faction will have to leave the coalition. The former colleagues have crossed Rubicon; the two factions will not get back together. In addition it is oblivious that Seimas will have a vote of none confidence for the Seimas’ speaker Mr. Valinskas’. Especially having in mind the latest allegations that he has some contacts with members of Kaunas’ criminal group Daktarai. The President indirectly asked Valinskas to resign on August 21.

Even in August, the Lithuanian political life is eventful!