1934 Lithuanian coup attempt

The coup d'état attempt in 1934 (Lithuanian: 1934-ųjų pučas) was an attempt by voldemarininkai, supporters of the former Prime Minister Augustinas Voldemaras, to overthrow the government of President Antanas Smetona. While voldemarininkai planned several coups against the government, this coup was the largest and most threatening.

Voldemaras was ousted as Prime Minister in September 1929 but still enjoyed considerable support among the members of the liquidated Iron Wolf and many younger military officers. On 6–7 June 1934, several hundred soldiers captured several strategic objects, including the General Staff, in Kaunas and sent a delegation to negotiate with Smetona about reinstating Voldemaras and making other changes in the government. The coup was not directed against Smetona, but against the government of Prime Minister Juozas Tūbelis. Other military units and the police remained loyal to Smetona who refused to negotiate. The rebels lacked resolve and stood down after receiving promises that they would not be prosecuted.

A total of 111 officers faced disciplinary actions; 32 were acquitted while others were dismissed from the military or demoted. Voldemaras was sentenced to 12 years in prison. Five coup leaders and organizers, including Petras Kubiliūnas, were sentenced to death but their sentences were commuted to prison sentences. All five later received presidential pardons and were released by 1937. Voldemaras was released in 1938 on the condition that he would depart Lithuania. He chose France and largely faded from public life.