On 20 September, ALDE Party member Liberalų sąjūdis held their party Congress in Kaunas, Lithuania, confirming Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen for a fourth term as party leader. In an online vote held earlier this month, she received strong backing from members, winning 86.5% of the vote.
Addressing delegates, Čmilytė-Nielsen underlined the party’s role as a pillar of liberal democracy and stability in Lithuania:
“Liberalų sąjūdis is on a stable path...we are and will remain the guarantee of a Western-oriented, democratic coalition in Lithuania.”
“Our goal can be summed up in one sentence: we must restore respect for people and for facts,” she added.
She also spoke sharply about the current political climate, criticising the government for what she called “spinning in idle” and holding the country’s future hostage amid a protracted coalition crisis and unfilled ministerial posts. Warning against creeping state overreach, she cautioned that new government proposals risk undermining individual responsibility and private initiative.
The congress also elected a new leadership team, including Vice-Chairs and other members of the party board, as well as its Ethics & Transparency and Control commissions.
Resolutions adopted reaffirmed support for Ukraine and a commitment to political stability at home. Guests from across Europe, including ALDE Party Vice-President Yoko Alender, extended liberal greetings, underlining the party’s strong European connections.
With renewed leadership and a clear vision, Liberalų sąjūdis positions itself as a force for democratic governance, human rights and a forward-looking economy.
As Čmilytė-Nielsen concluded, “Let us show with our daily work that the future is liberal!”
Photo: Liberalų sąjūdis