Over 30 NGOs have urged Lithuania’s Social Democrat Party to exclude the Nemunas Dawn party, whose leader lost his seat in parliament over anti-Semitic remarks, from the next ruling coalition following recent elections.

“As we live in a time of war, the common European values and the support of our Western allies are the cornerstone of our security.” Laura Tatarelyte, executive director of the European Movement, wrote in the open letter. “Therefore, we cannot afford to undermine our mutual trust and the country’s reputation in the eyes of the international community where any manifestation of anti-Semitism is strongly condemned.”

The open letter was initiated by the European Movement and the Lithuanian Center for Human Rights, and was signed by more than 30 NGOs.

Lithuania’s Social Democratic Party (LSDP), winners of the October parliamentary election, initially said it would not form a coalition with the Nemunas Dawn party, however, later backtracked from that promise.

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