Raštikis had a tenuous relationship with the Lithuanian Nationalist Union, the ruling political party in Lithuania.
He was not a member of the party and was generally favorable to the opposition.
The Union disapproved of Raštikis' attempts at keeping the army impartial, his prohibition of officer involvement in politics, and his growing prestige and popularity among Lithuanians.
In particular, the Union wanted to turn the Lithuanian Riflemen's Union into the party organ by merging it with Young Lithuania, party's youth organization, but Raštikis opposed such plans and the Riflemen remained open to everyone.

In March 1938, when Poland presented an ultimatum, Raštikis spoke decisively for its acceptance and against armed resistance.
In the ensuing government crisis, he became the acting Minister of Defense in the government of Vladas Mironas.
He refused to take the position permanently, perhaps afraid that he would lose the position of the Commander of the Armed Forces.
After eight months, he was replaced by Kazys Musteikis.
After the German ultimatum in March 1939 and loss of the Klaipėda Region, Mironas's government resigned and Raštikis was offered to become the new Prime Minister, but refused.
The new government included four generals including Prime Minister Jonas Černius.
Raštikis, as Commander or the Armed Forces, had great influence over these ministers and his relationship with President Smetona became increasingly tense.
Smetona resented Raštikis' popularity.

During his tenure, Raštikis made several official visits to foreign countries.
In May 1937, Raštikis attended the coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth in London.
In February 1939, during the celebration of the 20th anniversary of Estonia's independence, Raštikis visited Johan Laidoner, commander of the Estonian Army, and inspected several Estonian military installations.
On his way back, he stopped in Latvia and met with Jānis Balodis and Krišjānis Berķis.
More politically sensitive, in light of the two ultimatums, were the visits to Nazi Germany on the occasion of Hitler's 50th birthday in April 1939 and to the Second Polish Republic in May 1939.
Raštikis had a tenuous relationship with the Lithuanian Nationalist Union, the ruling political party in Lithuania. He was not a member of the party and was generally favorable to the opposition. The Union disapproved of Raštikis' attempts at keeping the army impartial, his prohibition of officer involvement in politics, and his growing prestige and popularity among Lithuanians. In particular, the Union wanted to turn the Lithuanian Riflemen's Union into the party organ by merging it with Young Lithuania, party's youth organization, but Raštikis opposed such plans and the Riflemen remained open to everyone.
In March 1938, when Poland presented an ultimatum, Raštikis spoke decisively for its acceptance and against armed resistance. In the ensuing government crisis, he became the acting Minister of Defense in the government of Vladas Mironas. He refused to take the position permanently, perhaps afraid that he would lose the position of the Commander of the Armed Forces. After eight months, he was replaced by Kazys Musteikis. After the German ultimatum in March 1939 and loss of the Klaipėda Region, Mironas's government resigned and Raštikis was offered to become the new Prime Minister, but refused. The new government included four generals including Prime Minister Jonas Černius. Raštikis, as Commander or the Armed Forces, had great influence over these ministers and his relationship with President Smetona became increasingly tense. Smetona resented Raštikis' popularity.
During his tenure, Raštikis made several official visits to foreign countries. In May 1937, Raštikis attended the coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth in London. In February 1939, during the celebration of the 20th anniversary of Estonia's independence, Raštikis visited Johan Laidoner, commander of the Estonian Army, and inspected several Estonian military installations. On his way back, he stopped in Latvia and met with Jānis Balodis and Krišjānis Berķis. More politically sensitive, in light of the two ultimatums, were the visits to Nazi Germany on the occasion of Hitler's 50th birthday in April 1939 and to the Second Polish Republic in May 1939.
Stasys Raštikis