Criminal allegations against Labor Party leader Viktor Uspaskich have not damaged his electoral prospects.

VILNIUS — Lithuania’s ruling coalition invited Viktor Uspaskich’s Labor Party to change sides and join them from the opposition Thursday as the prime minister looks to shore up his command of the Seimas.

The ruling coalition has become particularly shaky of late with the break up of the entertainer-run National Resurrection Party, which has split into two pieces since summer. Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius said that relaxation in the party has to stop with greater discipline needed. As the coalition is reportedly not very strong at the moment, it will be looking for more voices in its favor to push through key reforms drafted in response to the economic crisis gripping the nation.

“Now, of course, discipline must be much stronger here and our coalition leaders responsibility to ensure that we agree and achieve the necessary decisions with one voice, with more than half of the group members,” Kubilius said on the Lithuanian radio.

The invitation was authorized by Homeland Union-Lithuanian Christian Democrats leader Kubilius, chairman of the Liberal Movement Eligijus Masiulis, Liberal and Center Union leader Gintautas Babravičius and NRP chairman Arūnas Valinskas.

The Labor Party is yet to make a decision on the offer.

Kubilius said in local media that the coalition has appreciated the constructive work that the Labor Party have done while being in opposition.

Some have raised concerns over the party’s leadership. Uspaskich’s checkered career has seen him on the run in the past, once fleeing to his native Russia. He is currently under investigation for the embezzlement of election funds and is legally barred from leaving Lithuania, but still managed to get elected to European Parliament this spring.

Kubilius acknowledged Uspaskich’s legal troubles, but asked people to stay focused on addressing the problems facing the country.

“We know these allegations, we have repeatedly discussed them, but this time is when decision making and political stability is very important. The Labor Party’s decisions to contribute to solutions suggest a certain maturity and will contribute to the overall responsibility,” Kubilius told the news portal Alfa.lt.