In Lithuania, parliamentarians elected last October were greeted on Thursday November 14 by a demonstration of discontent at the end of their first session. They are protesting against the participation in the coalition of a populist party whose leader is on trial for anti-Semitism.
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A minute of silence for democracy. Several thousand Lithuanians came to demonstrate in Vilnius and other cities in the country, exasperated by the latest twists and turns in the formation of the government with Dawn on the Niemen, a populist party, reports our correspondent in Vilnius, Marielle Vitureau.
“ The Social Democrats join a pro-Russian and anti-Semitic clique “, proclaims Julius, student. “ It’s really bad for the image of the Lithuania and dangerous in the geopolitical situation. »
Remigijus Zemaaititis, the man who crystallizes all tensions
Remigijus Zemaaititis, the leader of the Aube sur Niémen party – which obtained 20 seats – crystallized all the tensions. He is awaiting trial for inciting hatred after quoting an anti-Semitic verse about the murder of Jews while criticizing Israeli actions in the West Bank. When he was sworn in during the day, the opposition left the room. His statements are worrying in a country where 95% of Jews were executed in Lithuanian forests by the Nazis.
“ We believe that anti-Semitic demonstrations should not be underestimated, we see the death of responsible politics “, declared the philosopher Nerijus Milerius who spoke on stage.
Also readLithuania: coalition agreement despite concerns about a populist movement
Everything can still change
According to the coalition agreement, Dawn on the Niemen is expected to obtain three ministries (Agriculture, Environment and Justice). The coalition agreement, which sees Social Democrat Gintautas Paluckas taking over as prime minister, includes a commitment to “ fight against anti-Semitism, xenophobia and all forms of incitement to hatred. » Remigijus Zemaitaitis assured to support the fight against anti-Semitism, declaring to the press that “ these things cannot be tolerated “.
But everything can still change, there is still no Prime Minister or government. The president said a coalition with the Dawn on the Niemen party was a mistake. The demonstrators dispersed with the last words of the Lithuanian anthem, may unity reign.