Thousands of people demonstrated today in Lithuania against the entry of the populist party of Zoro Niman, into the coalition that should rule the country.
The leader of that party is on trial for alleged anti-Semitic statements.
Demonstrators gathered in front of the Lithuanian parliament in Vilnius, some carrying Lithuanian and Israeli flags.
One protester said that party leader Remigijus Žemaitaitis is "dividing society" and "damaging political culture".
"I am against profanity and lies in politics," she said.
The coalition agreement, which includes the Social Democrats who won the most votes in the October parliamentary elections, then the Democratic Union "In the name of Lithuania", risks causing a constitutional crisis, as Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda reiterated today that he will refuse to appoint members of Zoro Niman's party to ministerial posts.
According to the agreement, it is foreseen that that party will receive three ministries - agriculture, environment and justice).
The party that won 20 seats in the parliament is led by Remigius Žemaitaitis, who is on trial for inciting hatred after quoting anti-Semitic words about the murder of Jews and criticizing Israel's actions in the West Bank.
According to the coalition agreement, it is foreseen that the social democrat Gintautas Palukas will be in the position of prime minister, and the obligation to fight against anti-Semitism, xenophobia and all forms of incitement to hatred is foreseen.
Zemaitaitis, who is awaiting sentencing, said he supported the fight against anti-Semitism and told the media that "such things cannot be tolerated."
Earlier today, conservative and liberal MPs left the Parliament in protest over the arrival of Zemaitaitis in their ranks.
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