Lithuanian politicians are weighing the possibility of a cross-party agreement on demographic policy, but divisions over how to address the country’s declining birth rate could make consensus difficult.
The discussion intensified after Social Democratic Party leader Mindaugas Sinkevičius suggested political parties could sign a long-term agreement on demographic policy, similar to existing national accords on defence and education.
The proposal comes as Lithuania continues to face population decline and record-low birth rates. Last year, about 17,500 babies were born in the country, the lowest figure on record.
Parliament Speaker Juozas Olekas said this week there were early signs of improvement this year, crediting them to the current government policies.
“I can share one joyful piece of news – after all of our initiatives, during the first four months of this year, 227 more newborns were born in Lithuania than during the same period last year,” Olekas said.
