Leaders of Lithuania's three opposition parties met Monday to craft an agreement that could lead to a new government coalition, following Sunday's vote that rejected the austerity-minded government.
The three opposition parties received a little more than half of the votes cast. The Labor Party received 23 percent of the ballots, while the Social Democrats followed with close to 20 percent. The Order and Justice party won nine percent.
Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius' Homeland Union held on to only 13 percent of the votes. Kubilius lead the ex-Soviet state when the global economic crisis hit, forcing him to make unpopular cuts. His government won praise from the European Union and the International Monetary Fund for its thrift and discipline.
The final shape of Lithuania's next government may have to wait for another two weeks, when a second round of voting could take place to settle races in local districts where no candidate had a clear lead.
The three opposition parties received a little more than half of the votes cast. The Labor Party received 23 percent of the ballots, while the Social Democrats followed with close to 20 percent. The Order and Justice party won nine percent.
Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius' Homeland Union held on to only 13 percent of the votes. Kubilius lead the ex-Soviet state when the global economic crisis hit, forcing him to make unpopular cuts. His government won praise from the European Union and the International Monetary Fund for its thrift and discipline.
The final shape of Lithuania's next government may have to wait for another two weeks, when a second round of voting could take place to settle races in local districts where no candidate had a clear lead.
