Lithuania
DEMOCRACY-PERCENTAGE Democracy Percentage | 77.38 100 |
DEMOCRACY-SCORE Democracy Score | 5.64 7 |

- Judicial Framework and Independence rating declined from 6.00 to 5.75 due to amendments curtailing migrants’ asylum and movement rights passed by the parliament in response to the migration crisis orchestrated by the Belarusian government.
- As a result, Lithuania’s Democracy Score decreased from 5.68 to 5.64.
The year 2021 brought unfamiliar challenges to Lithuanian political elites, state institutions, and the general society. Still dealing with the COVID-19 crisis, the state was forced to also shoulder a migration crisis after the unprecedented wave of illegal immigration through Belarus when its border was opened by Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka in June. Over the course of the year, the latent cleavage between liberal and conservative values rose sharply (potentially spurred by socioculturally liberal policy initiatives), dividing the general public, politicians, and parties, and even leading to social unrest. Internationally, Lithuania’s democracy-promoting, values-based foreign policy brought visible confrontations with Belarus1 and China.2 All of these challenges affected the country’s societal, political, and economic processes and, although the democracy remained strong, brought shocks to the implementation of democratic governance practices.
During much of the year, Lithuania ranked above the European Union (EU) average in the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases and deaths per capita,3 and its vaccination per capita rates were at the EU average, leading Central and Eastern Europe.4 In the national public discourse, the government’s pandemic management was constantly criticized, mainly for the pace of vaccination and restrictions introduced.5 Considerable criticism came from President Gitanas Nausėda,6 which both reflected and increased his tensions with the governing majority.
The COVID-19 crisis management also highlighted the government’s public communications problems, starting with a lackluster and scandal-ridden information campaign for mass vaccination.7 Various analysts assessed the government’s rhetoric as unempathetic, weak, and divisive.8 This poor performance revived the long-standing criticism of the largest governing coalition party, Homeland Union - Lithuanian Christian Democrats, of failing to pay attention to the concerns of ordinary people, particularly in the regions. Similarly, while expressing an intention to consult with social partners,9 such efforts were unsuccessful or nonexistent.10 In general, the pandemic crisis increased tensions between government institutions, highlighting and exacerbating established trends, especially the sense of government elites being out of touch with citizens.
By contrast, in the migration crisis, the government acted quickly, sought solutions, and found international support.11 Initially, this left little room for critique from the opposition. The crisis itself led to better coordination of inter-institutional cooperation—but it also highlighted gaps in communication between national and local leadership and exposed the government’s dominant hierarchical approach. By recognizing the migration crisis as a hybrid attack,12 it was perceived primarily and almost unanimously in the country as a security issue, which pushed the issue of migrants’ human rights to the background of the public discourse. Yet, despite logistical constraints and lack of experience with the unprecedented crisis, some efforts were made to address the situation and migrants’ needs, and civil society organizations (CSOs) and local self-governments played important roles in this regard. Meanwhile, the media’s ability to collect information firsthand was restricted in some areas.
Already difficult, these two national crises fomented a fierce clash over Lithuania’s liberal-conservative values. This latent societal cleavage was not fully exploited before the parliamentary elections in 2020,13 but the focus of the newly elected Freedom Party (LP) on socioculturally liberal issues and legislative initiatives exploded into culture wars in 2021. These divided or at least brought disunity to public and political elites, state institutions, municipalities, CSOs, and even the church.14 The Vilnius and Kaunas municipalities also got involved by selectively issuing permissions for public rallies along liberal and conservative lines, respectively.
Values-based discontent merged with antigovernment sentiments over its crisis management (of the pandemic, primarily) and spurred a wave of demonstrations, rallies, and protests, the largest coordinated by the Lithuanian Family Movement (LŠS), a new right-wing formation.15 In August, one of these demonstrations devolved into rioting on a scale unseen in the country in over a decade. Thus Lithuania ended the year politically opposed internally and in a state of reciprocal public anger.16
Amid this ongoing societal fragmentation, public trust in the media fell to historic lows while the importance of social media as a source of information rose—disseminators of disinformation exploited both trends. During the year’s protests, traditional media encountered an unfamiliar level of hostility from crowds.
These sharp societal divisions, both values- and crisis-based, also highlighted Lithuania’s old issue of public tolerance for intolerance,17 a recurring theme during the year in a variety of contexts. In January, a parliamentarian’s controversial speech on the Holocaust received international condemnation.18 Reacting to the speech, the chairwoman of the Lithuanian Jewish Community criticized broader society and the media for their relative silence on the matter.19 Indeed, Lithuanians have been shown to be fairly tolerant of the hatred expressed by others, and even against themselves.20 The liberal-conservative confrontation of values and heightened visibility of “others” due to the migrant crisis increased the presence of sharp and offensive language in the public sphere. Meanwhile, LP’s legislative amendments tightening penalties for hate speech were withdrawn in the Seimas (Lithuania’s parliament) on objections that they would restrict freedom of expression.
In the face of these challenges and surfacing hostility, politicians willingly chose sides or were forced to do so. Some less-popular, right-wing, or populist politicians saw an opportunity and openly expressed support for the traditionalists’ antigovernment protests.21 Meanwhile, the Lithuanian Famers and Greens Union (LVŽS), possibly pushed by its confrontation with governing TS-LKD, shifted its support and tried to cling to the previously confronted President Nausėda based on a common, more conservative approach. However, it was the Social Democratic Party of Lithuania (LSDP), with its new chair elected in May, that gained the most from the situation: publicly criticizing the government’s decisions yet remaining on the sidelines of the main confrontation, LSDP ultimately topped the year’s popularity ratings.
In an atmosphere of rising public discontent and confrontation, the nonpartisan President Nausėda started the year by claiming the role of arbitrator, attempting to maneuver between the different social and political positions.22 However, later in the year, although still stressing the importance of dialogue, his public stance gradually drifted toward the attitudes of the conservative camp,23 thus drawing criticism for chasing ratings, trying to please the majority, and manifestations of populism.24 It is likely that the other causes of discord between the presidency and the governing coalition pushed Nausėda in this direction as well, searching for political backing in the society.25 However, this drift angered the ruling coalition partners. Lithuania’s state of emergency, declared in November (the first time since regaining independence in 1990), united the president and the government for only a short time,26 and with the intensified confrontation, the president’s power position in the semi-presidential system had weakened by year’s end. Meanwhile, the governing majority in the Seimas and the government itself held firmly together.27 Even the government’s biggest scandal, which erupted in December over the transit of Belaruskali fertilizers through Lithuania despite sanctions on the Belarussian company,28 ended with threats of resignations (from the ministers of Foreign Affairs and Transport and Communications, as well as hints of a full government withdrawal) yet with no real cabinet changes.29 The opposition-initiated interpellation to the Health minister was also unsuccessful.30 However, the repeated dismissal of LP’s proposals in the parliament put the party in a difficult position: as a governing coalition partner yet still unable to implement its program, even with compromise solutions, it could become a challenge to the coalition’s stability.31
In addition to crisis management and reflecting the sociopolitical cleavages at the local level, municipalities continued to seek more independence, especially financial. Although the new government had expressed an intention to strengthen local governance and independence, no real changes had materialized by year’s end. The issue of Lithuania’s relatively low financing for courts also remained unresolved. However, the positive trends in improved judicial efficacy, speed, and digitalization, as well as the decrease in the prison population, continued. Improvements to anticorruption legislation were adopted, and changes from previous years brought their first positive results, as the issue of corruption continued to loom large in public perceptions and the country’s ongoing notorious cases.
- 1For example, lrt.lt, “Lithuania expels Belarusian diplomats from Vilnius in tit-for-tat move”, lrt.lt, 7 July 2021, https://www.lrt.lt/en/news-in-english/19/1446625/lithuania-expels-belar…; Jon Shelton, “Lithuanian FM: Belarus using refugees as 'hybrid weapon against EU'”, dw.com, 12 July 2021, https://www.dw.com/en/lithuanian-fm-belarus-using-refugees-as-hybrid-we…
- 2China reacted fiercely and took measures of economic pressure after the “Taiwanese representative office” (named that rather than the “Taipei representative office”) was opened in Vilnius in November. In May, Lithuania also withdrew from the so-called "17+1" China-CEE cooperation group. Eunika Rejtová, “Chinese Media Watch: How “crazy, tiny” Lithuania enraged Beijing”, 29 August 2021, https://ceias.eu/chinese-media-watch-how-crazy-tiny-lithuania-enraged-b…; Robbie Gramer, “Pressured By China, Lithuania Won’t Back Down Over Taiwan”, 7 September 2021, https://foreignpolicy.com/2021/09/07/lithuania-taiwan-china-dispute-geo…; Stuart Lau, “Lithuania pulls out of China’s ’17+1′ bloc in Eastern Europe”, politico.eu, 21 May 2021, https://www.politico.eu/article/lithuania-pulls-out-china-17-1-bloc-eas…; Thomas Colson, „China threatened to send Lithuania to the 'garbage bin of history' after it stood up to Beijing by strengthening ties with Taiwan“, businessinsider.com, 23 December 2021, https://www.businessinsider.com/china-threatens-lithuania-withgarbage-b…
- 3During peaks period, even taking „the lead“. Hannah Ritchie, Edouard Mathieu, Lucas Rodés-Guirao, Cameron Appel, Charlie Giattino, Esteban Ortiz-Ospina, Joe Hasell, Bobbie MacDonald, Diana Beltekian, Saloni Dattani and Max Roser, „Statistics and Research: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Cases“, OurWorldInData.org, 28 November 2021, https://ourworldindata.org/covid-cases; Hannah Ritchie, Edouard Mathieu, Lucas Rodés-Guirao, Cameron Appel, Charlie Giattino, Esteban Ortiz-Ospina, Joe Hasell, Bobbie MacDonald, Diana Beltekian, Saloni Dattani and Max Roser, „Statistics and Research: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Deaths“, OurWorldInData.org, 28 November 2021, https://ourworldindata.org/covid-deaths
- 4Hannah Ritchie, Edouard Mathieu, Lucas Rodés-Guirao, Cameron Appel, Charlie Giattino, Esteban Ortiz-Ospina, Joe Hasell, Bobbie Macdonald, Diana Beltekian and Max Roser, „Statistics and Research: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Vaccinations“, OurWorldInData.org, 28 November 2021, https://ourworldindata.org/covid-vaccinations
- 5In extreme cases even appealing to the unconstitutionality or violations of human rights (public speech of Ignas Vėgėlė, the Chairman of the Bar Council, in August or in October, oppositional parties appeal to the KT due to evaluation of the “Opportunity Passport introduction (also see “Judicial Framework and Independence” section)).
- 6Constant critique to the Government’s pandemic management (and especially to Minister of Health in person) came from the President. Having set a target of vaccinating 70 percent of the public by July, later he blamed the Government for the slow pace, but on the other hand, received considerable criticism himself in the public sphere for his insufficient real involvement, flirt with anti-vaxxers groups and later in November – for vetoing some adopted laws, which governing majority believed to provoke vaccination. LRT televizija, “Dienos tema. Pozicija nepriima Nausėdos kritikos Dulkiui: flirtas su „maršistais“ ir „antivakseriais“ nepadėjo vakcinacijai” [Theme of the day. Position does not accept Nausėda's critique of Dulkys: flirting with “marchers” and “anti-vaxxers” did not help with vaccination], lrt.lt, 14 July 2021, https://www.lrt.lt/mediateka/irasas/2000159178/dienos-tema-pozicija-nep…; Lauryna Vireliūnaitė, “Politologai: vakcinacijos skatinimo priemonės tikrai griežtos, bet ar G.Nausėdai kritikuoti?” [Political scientists: measures to promote vaccination are really strict, but is it for G. Nausėda to criticize?], 15min.lt, 20 August 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/vakcinacijos-skatinimo-pr…; LRT.lt, ELTA, BNS, “Seime – skirtingos nuomonės dėl prezidento veto: vieni sako, kad sprendimas teisingas, kiti regi stimulo skiepytis mažinimą” [Seimas has differing views on the presidential veto: some say the decision is right, others see a reduction in the incentive to vaccinate], lrt.lt, 3 November 2021, https://www.lrt.lt/naujienos/lietuvoje/2/1533832/seime-skirtingos-nuomo…
- 7Gytis Kapsevičius, “Startavo vakcinavimo reklamos kampanija: nemokamai kūrė E.Jakilaitis su komanda, ekspertams strategija atrodo per lėta ir per siaura” [Vaccination advertising campaign started: created free of charge by E.Jakilaitis with his team, experts see as too slow and too narrow], 15min.lt, 10 March 2021, https://www.15min.lt/verslas/naujiena/finansai/startavo-vakcinavimo-rek…; Lauryna Vireliūnaitė, “Didžioji vakcinacijos skatinimo kampanija: žadėta rugsėjį, neprasidėjo iki šiol” [The big vaccination promotion campaign: promised in September, hasn’t started yet], 5 October 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/jau-spalis-o-kur-didzioji…; Austėja Masiokaitė-Liubinienė, BNS, Valdemaras Šukšta, LRT.lt, “SAM ir „Kitokie pasikalbėjimai“ – skandalo sūkuryje: ministerija mokėjo už laidą, organizatoriai atkerta – pirko ir kitos institucijos” [SAM and "Other Talks" - in a whirlwind of scandal: the ministry paid for the show, the organizers retort - other institutions also bought], lrt.lt, 1 October 2021, https://www.lrt.lt/naujienos/lietuvoje/2/1509716/sam-ir-kitokie-pasikal…; BNS, “SAM nutraukė skiepų reklamos kampanijos konkursą” [SAM has canceled a competition for a vaccine advertising campaign], 12 November 2021, https://www.lrt.lt/naujienos/lietuvoje/2/1540582/sam-nutrauke-skiepu-re…
- 8Illustratively, during protests against pandemic-management decisions and socioculturally liberal law initiatives, the governing majority mainly disregarded those who thought otherwise, with exceptions of few parliamentarians did not tried to talk with protesters, and in September, though convincingly reasoning by the Belarusian-Russian military exercise at the border and the threat of possible provocations, even made a dubious decision to build a fence around the parliament during the public rally. On the critics of rhetoric: Giedrius Vitkauskas, Kristina Jackūnaitė, LRT TV naujienų tarnyba, LRT.lt, “100 dienų dirbančią Šimonytės Vyriausybę įvertino ekspertai: tarp matomų darbų – pandemijos valdymas, o kliūva prasta komunikacija” [Šimonytė's Government, which has been operating for 100 days, was evaluated by experts: pandemic management is among the visible works, and poor communication is an obstacle], 20 March 2021, https://www.lrt.lt/naujienos/lietuvoje/2/1369264/100-dienu-dirbancia-si…; Živilė Banytė, ELTA, “Kritikuoja Vyriausybės komunikaciją: pasigenda empatijos ir logiškumo” [Criticizes Government communication: lacks empathy and logic], 11 April 2021, https://www.delfi.lt/news/daily/lithuania/kritikuoja-vyriausybes-komuni…; tv3.lt, “Katkus įvertino Vyriausybės komunikaciją: „Į Lietuvą grįžo „kubilizmas“” [Katkus assessed the Government's communication: "Kubilius’ism” returned to Lithuania], tv3.lt, 16 April 2021, https://www.tv3.lt/naujiena/lietuva/katkus-ivertino-vyriausybes-komunik…; Delfi diena, “Jokubaitis: maldauju, kad to nebūtų. O paskui geriausiu atveju pirmalaikiai rinkimai [Jokubaitis: I beg it not to be. And then, at best, early elections], delfi.lt, 14 August 2021, https://www.delfi.lt/news/daily/lithuania/jokubaitis-maldauju-kad-to-ne…; „Faktai ir nuomonės“, Aurimas Perednis, Agnė Vasiliauskaitė, „Ramonaitė: tai, ką dabar darome kiekvieną dieną, tik blogina situaciją“ [Ramonaitė: what we do every day now only makes the situation worse], delfi.lt, 26 August 2021, https://www.delfi.lt/news/daily/lithuania/ramonaite-tai-ka-dabar-darome…; Barisevičiūtė Urtė ir Tarandaitė Laura, “Ramonaitė: kadangi kiti kanalai nefunkcionuoja, protestas lieka vienintele alternatyva” [Ramonaitė: as other channels do not work, protest remains the only alternative], delfi.lt, 9 September 2021, https://www.delfi.lt/news/daily/lithuania/ramonaite-kadangi-kiti-kanala…; Vladimiras Laučius, “Kuolys: ką vyriausybė darys su ta visuomenės dalimi, kuri paskelbta padugnėmis ir degradais” [What the Government will do with that part of society that has been declared canailles and degraded], delfi.lt, 9 September 2021, https://www.delfi.lt/news/daily/lithuania/kuolys-ka-vyriausybe-darys-su…
- 915min.lt, „Skelbiamas Vyriausybės programos nuostatų įgyvendinimo planas“ [A plan for the implementation of the Government Program is published], 15min.lt, 3 March 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/skelbiamas-vyriausybes-pr…
- 1015min.lt, “Skelbiamas Vyriausybės programos nuostatų įgyvendinimo planas” [A plan for the implementation of the Government’s Program is published], 15min.lt, 3 March 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/skelbiamas-vyriausybes-pr…; BNS, “BNS klausia penkiolikos visuomenės lyderių: kaip vertinate Vyriausybės šimtą dienų?” [BNS asks fifteen leaders of society: How do you rate the Government for a first hundred days?], 15min.lt, 22 March 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/bns-klausia-penkiolikos-v…; ELTA, “Nevyriausybininkai ragina Vyriausybę įtraukti juos į ES atsigavimo fondo svarstymą” [Representatives of non-government organizations are urging the Government to involve them in the deliberations of the EU Recovery Fund], delfi.lt, 24 March 2021, https://www.delfi.lt/verslas/verslas/nevyriausybininkai-ragina-vyriausy…; Jurgita Šimelevičienė, “Už borto: savivalda ir nevyriausybininkai į 2,2 mlrd. eurų Atsigavimo plano dalybas jaučiasi neįtraukti” [Overboard: local government and non-government organizations feel to be excluded from the 2.2 billion EUR Recovery plan breakdown], 15min.lt, 9 April 2021, https://www.15min.lt/verslas/naujiena/finansai/uz-borto-savivalda-ir-ne…
- 11Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, “EU Urges Support For Lithuania's Migrant Crisis As Baltic States Accuse Belarus Of 'Hybrid Attack'”, rferl.org, 30 July 2021, https://www.rferl.org/a/eu-lithuania-migrants-belarus-/31384931.html; EU Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson, „#TimeToDeliverMigrationEU No.11 - We’re supporting Lithuania – and must get our Pact together“, European Commission, Directorate-General for Communication, 18 July 2021, https://ec.europa.eu/commission/commissioners/2019-2024/johansson/blog/…
- 12Office of the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania, “Seimas priėmė rezoliuciją dėl hibridinės agresijos atrėmimo” [Seimas passed a resolution to counter hybrid aggression], lrs.lt, 13 July 2021, https://www.lrs.lt/sip/portal.show?p_r=35403&p_k=1&p_t=277488; Monika Kasnikovskytė, “Bilotaitė: mes pasiruošę duoti atsaką į prieš Lietuvą vykdomą hibridinę ataką” [Bilotaitė: we are ready to respond to the hybrid attack against Lithuania], tv3.lt, 19 July 2021, https://www.tv3.lt/naujiena/lietuva/bilotaite-mes-pasiruose-duoti-atsak…; Euronews, AFP, AP, “Belarus border chaos a 'hybrid attack not a migration crisis', says EU's von der Leyen”, euronews.com, 11 November 2021, https://www.euronews.com/2021/11/10/dozens-of-migrants-detained-in-pola…
- 13However, slowly growing more liberal part of society brought this division to the election. “The Phenomenon of the Freedom Party: the Effect of Newness or the Beginning of a New Value Cleavage?”, Politologija, Vol 102 No 2, 2021, https://www.journals.vu.lt/politologija/article/view/24625
- 14For example, the Church officially endorsed the values of the Family March, but did not join it because of the language of hatred and disrespect used by the organizers. Despite this official position, some clergy openly expressed support for the protesters. Violeta Grigaliūnaitė, “Panevėžio vyskupas emeritas laimina Šeimos maršą: „Mano tauta, kuo tu nusikaltai, kad dabar savieji nori tave sunaikinti?““ [The Bishop Emeritus of Panevėžys blesses the Family March: "My nation, what have you sinned that now your own people want to destroy you?"], 15min.lt, 3 May 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/panevezio-vyskupas-emerit…. Also in this case it mixed with the division over the attitude to vaccination too: Dovilė Barvičiūtė, Jūsų Panevėžys, „Apie skiepus nuo koronaviruso pasisakė ir Panevėžio kunigai: linki pasitikėti mokslu, bet labiausiai Dievu“ [Priests of Panevėžys also spoke about vaccinations against coronavirus: they wish to trust science, but most of all God], 15min.lt, 5 August 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/apie-skiepus-nuo-koronavi…
- 15Publicly visible since March, officially created in June. Lithuanian Family Movement, “Rengiamas „Didysis Šeimos Gynimo Maršas 2021“” [The Great Family Defense March 2021 is organized], Lithuanian Family Movement, 8 March 2021, https://seimusajudis.lt/naujienos/didysis-seimu-marsas-2/; Lithuanian Family Movement, “Birželio 27 įvyko steigiamasis asociacijos „Lietuvos Šeimų Sąjūdis“ susirinkimas” [The founding meeting of the association "Lithuanian Family Movement" took place on June 27], Lithuanian Family Movement, 27 June 2021, https://seimusajudis.lt/naujienos/birzelio-27-ivyko-steigiamasis-asocia…
- 16Rytas Staselis, Bendra, “Sociologė Rasa Ališauskienė: susiformavo dvi didžiulės, tačiau labai skirtingos minios” [Sociologist Rasa Ališauskienė: two large but very different crowds are formed], lrt.lt, 4 October 2021, https://www.lrt.lt/naujienos/lietuvoje/2/1511970/sociologe-rasa-alisaus…; Domantas Katelė, “Sociologė apie protestų dalyvius: tie žmonės jautėsi viešai apspjaudyti ir aptalžyti” [A sociologist about the protesters: those people felt publicly spitted at and trashed], lrt.lt, 15 October 2021, https://www.lrt.lt/naujienos/lietuvoje/2/1521035/sociologe-apie-protest…; Domantė Platūkytė, “Po šūvių į apsaugos darbuotoją atkreipia dėmesį į visuomenės būklę: prielaidos radikalėti yra palankios” [After the shots to the security guard, draws attention to the state of society: the preconditions for radicalization are favorable], lrt.lt, 13 November 2021, https://www.lrt.lt/naujienos/lietuvoje/2/1535353/po-suviu-i-apsaugos-da…
- 17For example (also see footnote/endnote 20): Kristina Aržuolaitienė, Vaida Blažytė, Bendra, “Lietuva tapo migracijos greitkeliu: ar pavyks išlikti žmonėmis?” [Lithuania has become a migration highway: will it be possible to remain human?], 15min.lt, 13 August 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/lietuva-tapo-migracijos-g…; Karolina Aleknavičė, “Musulmonai, LGBTQ, romai – ką reiškia būti kitokiam Lietuvoje?” [Muslims, LGBTQs, Roma - what does it mean to be different in Lithuania?], 15min.lt, 23 October 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/musulmonai-lgbtq-romai-ka…
- 18Jūratė Skėrytė, BNS, “Dėl komentaro apie Holokaustą V.Rakutis traukiasi iš Seimo komisijos pirmininko pareigų” [Due to the commentary on the Holocaust, V. Rakutis is resigning from the position of the Chairman of the Seimas Commission], 15min.lt, 29 January 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/del-komentaro-apie-holoka…; BNS, “Izraelio ambasadorius: Rakučio komentaras apie Holokaustą yra nejautrus ir trikdantis” [Israeli Ambassador: Rakutis' comment on the Holocaust is insensitive and disturbing], delfi.lt, 27 January 2021, https://www.delfi.lt/news/daily/lithuania/izraelio-ambasadorius-rakucio…; delfi.lt, “JAV ambasadorius: Rakučio komentarai apie Holokaustą šokiruoja ir yra gėdingi” [U.S. Ambassador: Rakutis' comments on the Holocaust are shocking and shameful], delfi.lt, 27 January 2021, https://www.delfi.lt/news/daily/lithuania/jav-ambasadorius-rakucio-kome…; Ignas Jačauskas, BNS, “Vokietijos ambasadorius: V.Rakučio pasisakymas apie Holokaustą – nepriimtinas” [German Ambassador: V. Rakutis' statement on the Holocaust is unacceptable], 28 January 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/vokietijos-ambasadorius-v…. National leaders’ reaction: Vaidotas Beniušis, BNS, “G.Landsbergis: parlamentaro V.Rakučio komentarai Holokausto tema nėra adekvatūs” [G.Landsbergis: Comments of the parliamentarian V.Rakutis on the topic of the Holocaust are not adequate], 15min.lt, 27 January 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/g-landsbergis-parlamentar…; 15min.lt, “Socialdemokratai kreipėsi į Seimo vadovybę dėl V.Rakučio pareiškimų” [The Social Democrats appealed to the leadership of the Seimas regarding the statements of V. Rakutis], 15min.lt, 28 January 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/socialdemokratai-kreipesi…; ELTA, “Nausėda įvertino Rakučio pasisakymus Holokausto tema: tai apmaudus nesusipratimas” [Nausėda evaluated Rakutis' remarks on the Holocaust: it is a disappointing misunderstanding], delfi.lt, 28 January 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/v-rakucio-teiginiai-apie-…
- 1915min.lt, “Faina Kukliansky: Jūs vėl tylite, kaip dauguma tylėjo 1941 metais” [Faina Kukliansky: You are silent again, as most were silent in 1941], 15min.lt, 28 January 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/nuomones/faina-kukliansky-jus-vel…
- 20Office of the Equal Opportunities Ombudsperson, “Tyrimo dalyviai prisipažino: daugiausiai neigiamų komentarų rašo apie kitų žmonių amžių ir lytį” [Participants in the study admitted that they write the most negative comments about other people’s age and gender], manoteises.lt, 31 March 2021, https://manoteises.lt/straipsnis/tyrimo-dalyviai-prisipazino-daugiausia…; Office of the Equal Opportunities Ombudsperson, Vilmorus, “Neapykantos kurstymas internete” [Incitement to hatred on the internet], Office of the Equal Opportunities Ombudsperson, 9-18 October 2020, https://lygybe.lt/data/public/uploads/2021/03/neapykantos-kurstymas-int…; Center for Equality Advancement, Spinter research “Visuomenės požiūrio ir nuostatų negalios paveiktų moterų atžvilgiu tyrimas” [A study of public attitudes and attitudes towards women affected by disability], Center for Equality Advancement, February 2021, http://gap.lt/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Visuomen%C4%97s-po%C5%BEi%C5%A…; Office of the Equal Opportunities Ombudsperson, “Tyrimą atlikęs sociologas: geriausias būdas pažaboti neapykantos kalbą – kalbėtis” [The sociologist who conducted the study: the best way to curb hate speech is to talk], manoteises.lt, 30 March 2021, https://manoteises.lt/straipsnis/tyrima-atlikes-sociologas-geriausias-b…; Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Lithuania, Liutauras Labanauskas “Neapykantos nusikaltimų pažeidžiamų bendruomenių kokybinio tyrimo ataskaita” [Report on a qualitative study of vulnerable communities in hate crime], Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Lithuania, 2019, https://vrm.lrv.lt/uploads/vrm/documents/files/Pa%C5%BEeid%C5%BEiam%C5%…. Also see: Institute for Ethnic Studies, Baltic Surveys, “Lietuvos socialinių tyrimų centro Etninių tyrimų instituto užsakymu atliktos visuomenės nuostatų apklausos 2020 m. rezultatai” [The results of the 2020 public survey, carried out on behalf of Institute for Ethnic Studies], Institute for Ethnic Studies, 13-23 October 2020, http://www.ces.lt/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Visuomen%C4%97s-nuostatos-…; daugiaumeiles.lt, “Romė Rasma: „Dauguma mūsų net bijo išeiti į gatves“” [Rome Rasma: Most of us are even afraid to take to the streets], manoteises.lt, 3 February 2021, https://manoteises.lt/straipsnis/rome-rasma-dauguma-musu-net-bijo-iseit…; 15min.lt, “Kunigas A.Toliatas bažnytinio pamokslo metu kalbėjo apie savo kovą socialiniuose tinkluose” [During the church sermon, priest A. Toliatas spoke about his struggle in social networks], 15min.lt, 28 February 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/kunigas-a-toliatas-baznyt…; Roberta Tracevičiūtė, “T.V.Raskevičius apie neapykantos laviną: kai kurie politikai ir politinės jėgos nekviestos sušoko į šitą traukinį” [T.V. Raskevičius on the avalanche of hatred: some politicians and political forces jumped on this train uninvited], 15min.lt, 3 March 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/t-v-raskevicius-apie-neap…; Eglė Zicari, “Politikų homofobiją pastebi tik LGBT žmonės – per rinkimus užgauliojimai pamirštami” [Only LGBT people notice the homophobia of politicians - insults are forgotten during elections], 15min.lt, 20 January 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/politiku-homofobija-paste…; 15min.lt, Mediaskopas, “„Mediaskopas“ ištyrė, kas sumažintų neapykantos kalbos srautą tautinių mažumų atžvilgiu” [The Mediacope examined what would reduce the flow of hate speech against national minorities], 15min.lt, 26 March 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/mediaskopas-istyre-kas-su…. An illustrative example of “normalized” hate speech even among political parties leaders would be also the expressions of DP Chair Viktoras Uspaskich in January, that lead to his personal expulsion and later – party withdrawal from the liberal ALDE facion. Lili Bayer, “MEP faces expulsion from Renew Europe over homophobic comments: Lithuanian told to apologize or be kicked out of the group”, politico.eu, 12 January 2021, https://www.politico.eu/article/mep-viktor-uspaskich-expulsion-renew-eu…; BNS, “Po V.Uspaskicho fiasko Europarlamente – darbiečiai traukiasi iš Europos liberalų aljanso” [After V.Uspaskich's fiasco in the European Parliament, Labour party members are withdrawing from the European Liberal Alliance], 15min.lt, 1 February 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/po-v-uspaskicho-fiasko-eu…
- 21Like politicians from oppositional DP, LLRA-KŠS, non-parliamentary Center party-Nationalists and others, including even LVŽS’s parlamentarians. ELTA, “Darbo partija palaiko „Didžiojo šeimos gynimo maršo“ idėją: kviečia visus aktyviai dalyvauti” [The Labor Party supports the idea of a "Great Family Defense March": it invites everyone to take an active part], 10 May 2021, https://www.diena.lt/naujienos/lietuva/politika/darbo-partija-palaiko-d…; Indrė Jurčenkaitė, “Seimo narė B.Petkevič solidarizavosi su mitinguotojais: „Valdantieji bijo tautos pasipriešinimo“” [Member of the Seimas B.Petkevič expressed solidarity with the protesters: "The rulers are afraid of the nation's resistance"], 15min.lt, 10 September 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/seimo-nare-b-petkevic-sol…; “Naglis Puteikis: „Dalyvaujame „Didžiajame šeimos gynimo marše“, reikalaujame priešlaikinių rinkimų”” [Naglis Puteikis: "We are participating in the" Great Family Defense March ", we demand early elections"], atviraklaipeda.lt, 28 April 2021, https://www.atviraklaipeda.lt/2021/04/28/naglis-puteikis-dalyvaujame-di…; Leonardas Marcinkevičius, ELTA, “Karbauskis teigia, kad LVŽS dalyvaus „šeimos gynimo marše“: jeigu kas nors kalbės nesąmones – bus nušvilpti” [Karbauskis states that LVŽS will take part in "Family Defense March": if someone speaks nonsense - they will be whistled down], lrt.lt, 5 May 2021, https://www.lrt.lt/naujienos/lietuvoje/2/1402333/karbauskis-teigia-kad-…; ELTA, „Gražulis tapo „Tautos ir teisingumo sąjungos“ pirmininku“ [Gražulis became the chairman of the Nation and Justice Union], lrt.lt, 5 June 2021, https://www.lrt.lt/naujienos/lietuvoje/2/1425774/grazulis-tapo-tautos-i…; LNK, „Valdantieji laukia tarp neramumų kurstytojų buvusių politikų atsakomybės: nėra jauku su tokiais kolegomis” [The rulers are waiting for the responsibility of politicians which were among the instigators of the unrest: there is no comfort with such colleagues], delfi.lt, 15 August 2021, https://www.delfi.lt/news/daily/lithuania/valdantieji-laukia-tarp-neram…
- 22In March even publicly suggesting to held a civic assembly on the Istanbul ratification. ELTA, “G. Nausėda: piliečių asamblėja galėtų būti kultūringos diskusijos dėl Stambulo konvencijos įrankiu” [G. Nausėda: The Citizens' Assembly could be a tool for a civilized debate on the Istanbul Convention], diena.lt, 9 March 2021, https://www.diena.lt/naujienos/lietuva/salies-pulsas/g-nauseda-pilieciu…
- 23„Lietuvos ryto“ TV, Nauja diena, Laida 24/7, “Įvertino, ką G. Nausėdos kalba „Šeimų marše“ reiškia Partnerystės įstatymo likimui” [Assessed what G. Nausėda's speech in the "Family March" means for the fate of the Law on Partnership], lrytas.lt, 18 May 2021, https://www.lrytas.lt/lietuvosdiena/aktualijos/2021/05/18/news/ivertino…; Gytis Pankūnas, Aida Murauskaitė, LRT.lt, “Šalies vadovas Partnerystės įstatymo nebūtų pasirašęs – mano, kad partnerystė buvo prilyginta santuokai” [The head of state would not have signed the Law on Partnership - he believes that partnership was equated with marriage], lrt.lt, 14 July 2021, https://www.lrt.lt/naujienos/lietuvoje/2/1450521/salies-vadovas-partner…; Domantė Platūkytė, “Nausėda apie partnerystę: velnias slypi detalėse” [Nausėda on the partnership: the devil lies in the details], lrt.lt, 16 September 2021, https://www.lrt.lt/naujienos/lietuvoje/2/1498095/nauseda-apie-partnerys…; Simona Voveriūnaitė, Dainora Pankūnė, “Po ilgo pokalbio su Nausėda už LGBT kovojanti mama pranešė: jis mane tikrai išgirdo” [After a long conversation with Nausėda, the mother fighting for LGBT reported: he really heard me], delfi.lt, 25 October 2021, https://www.delfi.lt/news/daily/lithuania/po-ilgo-pokalbio-su-nauseda-u…; DNM, ELTA, “T. V. Raskevičius: prezidentas patologiškai vengia susitikti su homoseksualiu politiku” [T. V. Raskevičius: the President pathologically avoids meeting with homosexual politician], klaipeda.diena.lt, 28 October, https://klaipeda.diena.lt/naujienos/lietuva/politika/t-v-raskevicius-pr…
- 24For example, LRT TV, “Laba diena, Lietuva”, LRT.lt, “Politologė apie prezidentūros apklausą dėl Stambulo konvencijos: susidaro įspūdis, kad prezidentas nori save pateisinti” [Political scientist on the Presidency poll on the Istanbul Convention: the impression is that the president wants to justify himself], lrt.lt, 4 May 2021, https://www.lrt.lt/naujienos/lietuvoje/2/1402089/politologe-apie-prezid…; Leonardas Marcinkevičius, “Seimo nariai susikirto dėl Nausėdos žodžių per Šeimos gynimo maršą: ką iš tiesų pasakė prezidentas?” [Members of the Seimas clashed over Nausėda's words during the Family Defense March: What did the President actually say?], delfi.lt, 17 May 2021, https://www.delfi.lt/news/daily/lithuania/seimo-nariai-susikirto-del-na…; Gytis Pankūnas, “Dveji Nausėdos metai: ekspertų verdiktas – ruošiasi antrai kadencijai, nors prezidento vaidmens dar neperprato” [Two years of Nausėda: expert verdict - preparing for the second term, although the role of the president has not yet been understood], lrt.lt, 26 May 2021, https://www.lrt.lt/naujienos/lietuvoje/2/1411365/dveji-nausedos-metai-e…; 15min.lt, “Politologai apie G.Nausėdos kalbą: vengia atsakomybės, bandė sužaisti populizmo korta” [Political scientists about G. Nausėda's speech: avoid responsibility, tried to play the card of populism], 15min.lt, 8 June 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/politologai-apie-preziden…
- 25Illustartive here was President‘s Advisor speech to the protesters in June. Šarūnas Nekrošius, Modesta Gaučaitė-Znutienė, LRT.lt, BNS, ELTA, „Daukanto aikštėje protestų maršo dalyviai sulaukė Nausėdos patarėjo žodžių, žmonės siuntė „avansines“ padėkas prezidentui“ [In Daukantas Square, the participants of the protest march received the words of Nausėda's advisor, people sent "advance" thanks to the President], lrt.lt, 17 June 2021, https://www.lrt.lt/naujienos/lietuvoje/2/1434077/daukanto-aiksteje-prot…
- 26„Lietuvos rytas“ TV broadcast Nauja diena, “Pandemijai nesuvienijus, migrantų krizė vėl suvedė G. Nausėdą ir I. Šimonytę: kiek truks taika?”[In the absence of unity during pandemic, the migrant crisis has once again brought G. Nausėda and I. Šimonytė together: how long will peace last?], lrytas.lt, 15 November 2021, https://www.lrytas.lt/lietuvosdiena/aktualijos/2021/11/15/news/pandemij…; Simona Voveriūnaitė, „Kuo gali baigtis nesutaikomas valdančiųjų ir Nausėdos konfliktas: ekspertas situaciją jau vadina keista“ [How the incompatible conflict between the governing majority and Nausda could end: the expert already calls the situation strange], delfi.lt, 20 November 2021, https://www.delfi.lt/news/daily/lithuania/kuo-gali-baigtis-nesutaikomas…
- 27Roberta Tracevičiūtė, “V.Čmilytė-Nielsen: pasitikėjimas visais ministrais koalicijoje yra pakankamas” [V.Čmilytė-Nielsen: trust in all ministers in the coalition is sufficient], 10 September 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/v-cmilyte-nielsen-pasitik…; Roberta Tracevičiūtė, “I.Šimonytė stojo mūru už kritikuojamus ministrus: mato nemažai piktybiško veikimo” [I.Šimonytė stood for the criticized ministers: she sees a lot of malicious actions], 15min.lt, 28 July 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/i-simonyte-stojo-muru-uz-…; BNS, “Premjerė pripažįsta ministrų klaidas, keisti jų neketina” [The Prime Minister acknowledges the mistakes of the ministers and does not intend to change them], tv3.lt, 14 October 2021, https://www.tv3.lt/naujiena/lietuva/premjere-pripazista-ministru-klaida…
- 28Ieva Žvinakytė, LRT.lt, “Lithuanian government crisis – how did it get here?”, lrt.lt, 14 December 2021, https://www.lrt.lt/en/news-in-english/19/1563995/lithuanian-government-…
- 29BNS, Vytautas Jokubauskas, „Verslo žinios“, „I. Šimonytė nesitraukia, atmetė G. Landsbergio ir M. Skuodžio atsistatydinimo pareiškimus“ [I. Šimonytė does not withdraw, rejects the resignations of G. Landsbergis and M. Skuodis], vz.lt, 14 December 2021, https://www.vz.lt/verslo-aplinka/2021/12/14/i-simonyte-atmete-g-landsbe…
- 30Modesta Gaučaitė-Znutienė, LRT.lt, Jūratė Skėrytė, BNS, “Interpeliacija sveikatos apsaugos ministrui žlugo, Dulkys toliau eis pareigas” [The interpellation to the Minister of Health collapsed, Dulkys will continue to hold office], lrt.lt, 14 December 2021, https://www.lrt.lt/naujienos/lietuvoje/2/1563066/interpeliacija-sveikat…
- 31On such signs: Simona Voveriūnaitė, “Koalicijos partneriai vieni apie kitus nebepatyli: tik noras pasirodyti ar rimti byrėjimo ženklai” [The coalition partners are no longer silent about each other: only the desire to show up or serious signs of falling apart], delfi.lt, 29 November 2021, https://www.delfi.lt/news/daily/lithuania/koalicijos-partneriai-vieni-a…; Dalia Plikūnė, “Armonaitė: koalicijos partneriai turi suprasti, kokią koaliciją ir su kuo jie sudarė” [Armonaitė: Coalition partners need to understand what coalition they were with and with whom], delfi.lt, 31 December 2021, https://www.delfi.lt/news/daily/lithuania/armonaite-koalicijos-partneri…. As in November, LP, however, denied the possibility of leaving the coalition: Milena Andrukaitytė, BNS, „Armonaitė apie koalicijos ateitį: šiuo metu yra kitų svarbių dalykų“ [Armonaitė about the future of the coalition: there are other important things at the moment], 11 November 2021, https://www.delfi.lt/news/daily/lithuania/armonaite-apie-koalicijos-ate…; Edvardas Kubilius, LRT radio broadcast Ryto garsai, LRT.lt, „Armonaitė apie Laisvės partijos ateitį koalicijoje: tokiu metu valstybėje nenorime vadovautis emocijomis“ [Armonaitė on the future of the Freedom Party in the coalition: we do not want to be guided by emotions at such a time in the state], lrt.lt, 17 November 2021, https://www.lrt.lt/naujienos/lietuvoje/2/1543082/armonaite-apie-laisves…
In Lithuania, national governance is democratic and stable with a working system of checks and balances. However, institutions still lack greater openness and cooperation with civil society in decision-making. Elections are free and fair, yet their competitiveness is hampered at the local level in some municipalities. Civil society is independent though not very active, and most CSOs face funding difficulties. Generally, the media operate freely, but there is occasional pressure from politicians and business interests, especially at the local level. Although local self-governments operate freely, the power hierarchy is highly centralized and municipalities are constantly demanding more self-sufficiency, especially financial. Equality before the law is ensured by the country’s effective judiciary. Yet insufficient funding, corruption, and public distrust in courts remain issues. Even though the population’s direct experience with bribe-giving is decreasing, the perception of corruption in some institutions—namely, healthcare, courts, and the Seimas—remains high, confirmed by scandalous cases of high-level corruption, which often involve lengthy court proceedings that are ultimately overturned.
Considers the democratic character of the governmental system; and the independence, effectiveness, and accountability of the legislative and executive branches. | 5.506 7.007 |
- Two extraordinary crises—COVID-19 and migration—as well as the nation’s clash over liberal-conservative values dominated Lithuania’s political scene in 2021. These crises kept the power center of the country’s semi-presidential system constantly gravitating towards the government—where decisions were prepared, discussed, and adopted—with Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė and the ministers of Health, Interior, and Foreign Affairs among the most visible politicians in the media.1 President Gitanas Nausėda and the Seimas (Lithuania’s parliament) nevertheless grappled for their own constitutional shares of power2 and public attention, and for most of the year all three lacked unity, even in dealing with the crises.3
- The confrontation between President Nausėda and the governing coalition (primarily Homeland Union - Lithuanian Christian Democrats) evolved over the year. Starting with the president’s criticism of the Health Minister for “improper” COVID-19 management,4 the conflict escalated as TS-LKD and Nausėda disagreed over who should represent Lithuania in the European Council, the prime minister or the president. Since Lithuanian law does not provide a clear answer,5 attempts at persuasion6 descended into pronouncements about passing a corresponding law7 and a counter declaration about vetoing such a law.8 Despite assertions from both sides that the relationship was constructive,9 the president and prime minister abandoned the practice of weekly meetings.10 And while Constitutional Court (KT) and Supreme Court (LAT) appointments that require agreement from both president and the parliament finally took place11 (vacant for over a year due to Nausėda’s disagreements with the former governing majority12 ), other important positions, like ambassador to the European Union (EU), remained vacant throughout the year.13 In the fall, this tension evolved into harsh criticisms and calls for the Health Minister’s resignation,14 several rejected presidential vetoes in the parliament,15 and even mutual public accusations of intentionally obstructing the COVID-19 vaccination program.16
- Immediately after the 2020 parliamentary elections, the fraught relationship between the main political rivals—Homeland Union - Lithuanian Christian Democrats and Farmers and Greens Union (LVŽS)—seemed to mirror the hostile relationships of the previous term.17 In 2021, this confrontation persisted yet somewhat deescalated, revolving more around the parties’ differing stances on specific issues.18 In this sense, LVŽS, by creating a one-party “shadow cabinet” in February19 and regularly announcing proposals on ongoing affairs, became very active.20 In July, when friction between President Nausėda and TS-LKD sharpened, LŽVS withheld its own prior disagreements with the president and announced itself as Nausėda’s buttress in the Seimas.21 With a new leader elected in May, the regular critic LSDP (Social Democratic Party of Lithuania) became more visible as well and intensified a second line of opposition.22
- The formation of a broader parliamentary opposition was unsuccessful. The coalition of LVŽS and DP (Labor Party) lacked the second-largest oppositional party, LSDP,23 and lasted only until September when former prime minister Saulius Skvernelis and others separated from LVŽS and with various other parliamentarians formed the new faction Demokratai–vardan Lietuvos (Democrats–for Lithuania).24 This move significantly weakened LVŽS,25 which lost several of its most popular figures26 and (after Skvernelis announced the new party in October27 ) gained a competitor.28 On the other hand, analysts viewed this separation as LVŽS’s “ideological purification.”29
- Beyond the dominant crisis-management questions, there were other issues on the year’s political agenda, such as regulations with the EU Green Deal, taxes, improving the legislative process, social exclusion, liberalization of reimbursable medical prescriptions, establishment of the Intelligence Ombudsman, and, finally, signing an education agreement among the main parliamentary parties.30 However, considering its direct and indirect consequences, the package of socioculturally liberal proposals had the greatest impact, especially concerning the rights of LGBT+ persons.31 This effort became a critical dividing line between the more liberal and more conservative parties, the Freedom Party (LP) on one side and LVŽS, LLRA-KŠS on the other, respectively. The legislative focus also sharpened the confrontation between the ruling majority and President Nausėda,32 highlighted latent divisions in the society,33 and divided colleagues in some parties (with disunity among members of LSDP, TS-LKD, LVŽS, and even LRLS).34 These legislative proposals, mixed with socially conservative attitudes and discontent over the management of COVID-19, led to civil organizing,35 large protests,36 and even riots in August.37 However, real legislative changes related to these issues failed to materialize in 2021.
- 1Indrė Jurčenkaitė, “Seimo narių TOP30: kurių pavardės žiniasklaidoje mirgėjo dažniausiai?” [TOP30 members of the Seimas: whose surnames flashed in the media most often?], 15min.lt, 22 February 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/seimo-nariu-top30-kuriu-p…; Indrė Jurčenkaitė, “Kurių ministrų pavardės žiniasklaidoje mirgėjo dažniausiai? Didžiumą dėmesio pasiglemžė A.Dulkys” [Which ministers' names flashed the most in the media? A. Dulkys caught most of attention], 15min.lt, 20 March 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/kuriu-ministru-pavardes-z…; 15min, “Migrantų krizė į žiniasklaidos dėmesio centrą išstūmė tris politikus” [The migrant crisis has pushed three politicians into the media spotlight], 15min.lt, 8 August 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/migrantu-krize-i-ziniaskl…
- 2Athouhg informal President’s powers diminished at the end of the year, for the argumentation look, for example: Žinių radijas, “Tarp G. Nausėdos ir valdančiųjų – „sugyventinio režimas“: ryškėja nerimą keliantys ženklai” [Between G. Nausėda and the governing majority - "cohabitation regime": alarming signs emerge], lrytas.lt, 12 November 2021, https://www.lrytas.lt/lietuvosdiena/aktualijos/2021/11/12/news/tarp-g-n…
- 3Mažvydas Jastramskis, “Prezidente, premjere, parlamentarai – vienykitės” [President, Prime Minister, parliamentarians - unite], delfi.lt, 10 November 2021, https://www.delfi.lt/news/ringas/lit/mazvydas-jastramskis-prezidente-pr…
- 4BNS, “G. Nausėda pasigenda nuoseklesnės komunikacijos iš A. Dulkio” [G. Nausėda lacks more consistent communication with A. Dulkys], vz.lt, 17 February 2021, https://www.vz.lt/verslo-aplinka/2021/02/17/g-nauseda-pasigenda-nuosekl…; BNS, “Nausėda: nenuoseklumas ir erzinantys sprendimai provokuoja žmones maištauti” [Nausėda: inconsistency and annoying decisions provoke people to revolt], delfi.lt, 29 March 2021, https://www.delfi.lt/news/daily/lithuania/nauseda-nenuoseklumas-ir-erzi…; Indrė Jurčenkaitė, “Prezidentūra reiškia susirūpinimą dėl per lėtos senjorų vakcinacijos: juos siūloma skiepyti ir namuose” [The presidency is concerned about the slow vaccination of seniors: offers to vaccinate them at home as well], 15min.lt, 9 April 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/prezidentura-reiskia-susi…; Indrė Jurčenkaitė, “G.Nausėda mano, kad Vyriausybės komunikacija nenuosekli, o dalis karantino laisvinimų – pavėluoti” [G. Nausėda believes that the Government's communication is inconsistent, and some of the quarantine releases are belated], 15min.lt, 15 April 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/g-nauseda-mano-kad-vyriau…; BNS, “Vyriausybės skiepijimo nuo COVID-19 taktiką prezidentas vadina karštligiška ir forsuota” [The President calls the Government's COVID-19 vaccination tactic feverish and forced], 15min.lt, 19 August 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/g-nauseda-perlenkiame-laz…. Another illustrative example of tensions between Governemnt and the President would be the disagreemnt over their contribution to the management of migration crisis. See: Jūratė Damulytė, BNS, „Prezidento patarėja: migrantų krizė pradėta valdyti per vėlai ir nėra suvaldyta“ [Adviser to the President: The management of the migrants‘ crisis started too late and the crisis is not under control], delfi.lt, 16 September 2021, https://www.delfi.lt/news/daily/lithuania/prezidento-patareja-migrantu-…; Indrė Jurčenkaitė, „I.Šimonytė atsitraukė nuo diskusijos apie nuopelnus: padėkojo prezidentui” [I. Šimonytė withdrew from the discussion on merits: she thanked the President], 15min.lt, 16 September 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/i-simonyte-atsitrauke-nuo…
- 5Different explanations were provided also by lawyers. For example: Tadas Grabys, „V.Sinkevičius: ribodami G.Nausėdos įgaliojimus konservatoriai pažeistų Konstituciją“ [V.Sinkevičius: by restricting G.Nausėda's powers, the Conservatives would violate the Constitution], 15min.lt, 2 June 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/v-sinkevicius-ribodami-g-…
- 6Benas Brunalas, ELTA, “Premjerė trečio laiško prezidentui dėl EVT neberašys: nebus tame didelės vertės” [The Prime Minister will not write a third letter to the President on EVT: it will not be of much value], diena.lt, 3 June 2021, https://www.diena.lt/naujienos/lietuva/politika/premjere-apie-prezident…
- 7Dainora Pankūnė, “Nesutariant dėl atstovavimo EVT, Nausėdos laukia staigmena: Seime ruošiamas įstatymas” [Disagreeing over the representation in the EVS, a surprise awaits Nausėda: a law is being prepared in the Seimas], delfi.lt, 25 February 2021, https://www.delfi.lt/news/daily/lithuania/nesutariant-del-atstovavimo-e…
- 8Ignas Jačauskas, BNS, “G.Nausėda sako, jog dalyvaus EVT „visa apimtim“, vetuotų atstovavimą įteisinantį įstatymą” [G.Nausėda says that he will participate in EVT "in full", would veto the law legitimizing representation], 15min.lt, 26 February 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/g-nauseda-sako-jog-dalyva…
- 9For example, Rugilė Augustaitytė, ELTA, “Šimonytė apie santykius su prezidentu: nereikia ieškoti dramos ten, kur jos nėra” [Šimonytė about the relationship with the president: there is no need to look for a drama where it does not exist], lrt.lt, 10 November 2021, https://www.lrt.lt/naujienos/lietuvoje/2/1538064/simonyte-apie-santykiu…
- 10Augustas Stankevičius, BNS, “Beveik po trijų mėnesių pertraukos – darbinis G.Nausėdos ir I.Šimonytės susitikimas” [After a break of almost three months - a working meeting of G.Nausėda and I.Šimonytė], 15min.lt, 26 July 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/po-beveik-triju-menesiu-p…; Roberta Tracevičiūtė, „G.Nausėdos ir I.Šimonytės susitikimai vėl nutrūko: pasimatyti per daug užsiėmę” [The meetings of G.Nausėda and I.Šimonytė were interrupted again: too busy to meet], 15min.lt, 29 October 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/g-nausedos-ir-i-simonytes…; BNS, “Premjerė apie nutrūkusius susitikimus su prezidentu: „Na, nevyksta ir nevyksta“” [Prime Minister on interrupted meetings with the President: "Well, it doesn't happen and it doesn't happen"], vz.lt, 4 November 2021, https://www.vz.lt/verslo-aplinka/2021/11/04/premjere-apie-nutrukusius-s…; Dalia Plikūnė, BNS, “Po poros mėnesių pertraukos – skubus Nausėdos ir Šimonytės susitikimas” [After a break of a couple of months - an urgent meeting between Nausėda and Šimonytė], delfi.lt, 9 November 2021, https://www.delfi.lt/news/daily/lithuania/po-poros-menesiu-pertraukos-s…
- 11Stasys Gudavičius, “Seimas paskyrė du naujus KT teisėjus, trečia kandidatūra atmesta” [Seimas appointed two new judges of the KT, the third candidature was rejected], Verslo žinios, 14 January 2021, https://www.vz.lt/verslo-aplinka/2021/01/14/seimas-paskyre-du-naujus-kt…; Dalia Plikūnė, Simona Voveriūnaitė, Dainora Pankūnė, BNS, delfi.lt, „Seimas nusprendė: Mizaras taps Konstitucinio Teismo teisėju“ [Seimas has decided: Mizaras will become a judge of the Constitutional Court], delfi.lt, 18 May 2021, https://www.delfi.lt/news/daily/lithuania/seimas-nusprende-mizaras-taps…
- 12See National Democratic Governance section in „Nations in Transit 2021: Lithuania“, Freedom House, 2021, https://freedomhouse.org/country/lithuania/nations-transit/2021
- 13Appointment of an ambassador needs agreement between President, PM and parliamentarian committee on Foreign Affairs according to Lithuanian law (“Lietuvos Respublikos diplomatinės tarnybos įstatymas” [Law on the Diplomatic Service of the Republic of Lithuania], http://www.infolex.lt/ta/14374:str49). BNS, “Tęsiasi prezidentūros ir valdančiųjų ginčas dėl ambasadoriaus ES, jis lieka nepaskirtas” [The dispute between the presidency and the governing majority over the ambassador to the EU continues, he remains unappointed], vz.lt, 27 September 2021, https://www.vz.lt/verslo-aplinka/2021/09/27/tesiasi-prezidenturos-ir-va…
- 14Simona Voveriūnaitė, „Nausėda: Lietuvoje situacija yra daugiau negu bloga, tad Dulkiui lieka du keliai“ [Nausėda: The situation in Lithuania is more than bad, so there are two ways left for Dulkys], delfi.lt, 8 October 2021, https://www.delfi.lt/news/daily/lithuania/nauseda-lietuvoje-situacija-y…
- 15According to the Lithuanian Constitution (Article 72) the laws referred back by the President may be still adopted by the Parliament if 1/2 of all the Members of the Seimas vote for such law. Constitution of the Republic of Lithuania, 25 October 1992, https://e-seimas.lrs.lt/portal/legalAct/lt/TAD/TAIS.21892. Milena Andrukaitytė, BNS, “Seimas atmetė tris Nausėdos veto” [Seimas rejected the three vetoes of Nausėda], delfi.lt, 11 November 2021, https://www.delfi.lt/news/daily/lithuania/seimas-atmete-tris-nausedos-v…; Jūratė Skėrytė, BNS, “Dar vienas niuksas prezidentui: Seimas atmetė veto, žvalgybos kontrolieriaus institutas bus” [Another punch to the President: Seimas rejected the veto, the Institute of Intelligence Ombudsman will be established], 23 December 2021, https://www.lrt.lt/naujienos/lietuvoje/2/1570908/dar-vienas-niuksas-pre…
- 16Benas Brunalas, ELTA, “G. Nausėda įtaria: skiepijimo tempus sulėtino tikslingai, kad nebūtų pasiektas jo tikslas” [Nausėda suspects that the rate of the vaccination was slowed down purposefully to prevent his goal from being achieved], klaipeda.diena.lt, 21 October 2021, https://klaipeda.diena.lt/naujienos/lietuva/politika/g-nauseda-itaria-s…; Dainora Pankūnė, „Šimonytė negailestinga Nausėdai: atrodo, kad prezidentūra sąmoningai stabdo vakcinacijos progresą“ [Šimonytė is ruthless to Nausėda: the Presidency seems to be deliberately stopping the progress of vaccination], delfi.lt, 4 November 2021, https://www.delfi.lt/news/daily/lithuania/simonyte-negailestinga-naused…
- 17For example, governing majority did not approve the LVŽS candidate to the Deputy speakers, and did not leave the post of Audit Committee Chairman for the LVŽS. Leader of LVŽS Mr Karbauskis named these actions as “revenge” and also - as the reason of his resignation from parliament in November 2020. Gytis Pankūnas, “Karbauskis atsisako Seimo nario mandato: liktų parlamente, jei to paprašytų valdantieji” [Karbauskis resigns the mandate of a member of the Seimas: he would remain in parliament if the governing majority requested this], lrt.lt, 19 November 2020, https://www.lrt.lt/naujienos/lietuvoje/2/1280502/karbauskis-atsisako-se…
- 18Including statements on interpellations, ultimatums and demarches during the voting, however. For example: Saulius Jakučionis, BNS, “Ministrė pirmininkė apie „valstiečių“ grasinimus interpeliacija: ponų valia” [Prime Minister on threats of interpellation from 'peasants': gentlemen's will], lrt.lt, 17 September 2021, https://www.lrt.lt/naujienos/lietuvoje/2/1498872/ministre-pirmininke-ap…; 15min.lt, “LVŽS skelbia ultimatumą Vyriausybei, prabilo apie interpeliaciją I.Šimonytei” [LVŽS announces an ultimatum to the Government and started talking about the interpellation to I. Šimonytė], 15min.lt, 18 September 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/lvzs-skelbia-ultimatuma-v…; BNS, lrytas.lt, “Opozicijos elgesį balsuojant dėl 100 eurų išmokos Seimo pirmininkė vadina demaršu” [The Speaker of the Seimas calls the opposition’s conduct during the voting for the 100 euro payment a démarche], lrytas.lt, 12 October 2021, https://www.lrytas.lt/lietuvosdiena/aktualijos/2021/10/12/news/opozicij…
- 19Lithuanian Peasant and Green Union, "Šešėlinės vyriausybės ministrų kabinetas" [Cabinet of Ministers of the Shadow Government], lvzs.lt, 2021, https://www.lvzs.lt/lt/%C5%A1e%C5%A1%C4%97lin%C4%97-vyriausyb%C4%97/min…; Roberta Tracevičiūtė, “„Valstiečiai“ pristatė šešėlinę Vyriausybę: jai vadovaus R.Karbauskis, S.Skvernelio tarp alternatyvių ministrų nėra” ["Peasants" presented the shadow government: it will be headed by R.Karbauskis, S.Svvernelis is not among the alternative ministers], 15min.lt, 11 February 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/valstieciai-pristato-sese…
- 20For example, 15min.lt, „Šešėlinė Vyriausybė tiesia pagalbos ranką: pristato 10 būdų, kaip kovoti su neteisėta migracija” [The shadow government extends a helping hand: presents 10 ways to combat illegal migration], 15min.lt, 5 August 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/seseline-vyriausybe-tiesi…; lrt.lt, “Šešėlinė „valstiečių“ Vyriausybė siūlo skirti išmokas pensinio amžiaus žmonėms, kurie pasiskiepys nuo COVID-19” [The shadow “peasants’” government proposes benefits for people of retirement age who will be vaccinated against COVID-19], lrt.lt, 16 August 2021, https://www.lrt.lt/naujienos/lietuvoje/2/1469614/seseline-valstieciu-vy…
- 21Augustas Stankevičius, BNS, “Karbauskis: „valstiečiai“ šiandien yra G.Nausėdos atrama Seime” [Karbauskis: "peasants" today are the buttress of G. Nausėda in the Seimas], 15min.lt, 16 July 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/karbauskis-valstieciai-si…
- 22For example, 15min, “Socdemai apie migrantų krizę: matome mėginimus permesti atsakomybę savivaldai” [Socdems about the migrant crisis: we are seeing attempts to shift responsibility to self-government], 15min.lt, 12 July 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/socialdemokratai-apie-mig…; BNS, “LSDP siūlymai dėl migrantų krizės: atsisakyti karo retorikos, siekti ES pagalbos” [LSDP proposals on the migrant crisis: abandon the rhetoric of war, seek EU assistance], alfa.lt, 23 July 2021, https://www.alfa.lt/aktualijos/lietuva/lsdp-siulymai-del-migrantu-krize…; Milena Andrukaitytė, BNS, Gailė Jaruševičiūtė, ELTA, “Blinkevičiūtė nepritartų siūlymui leisti nušalinti nepasiskiepijusius darbuotojus” [Blinkevičiūtė would not support the proposal to allow the dismissal of unvaccinated employees], lrt.lt, 30 July 2021, https://www.lrt.lt/naujienos/lietuvoje/2/1459862/blinkeviciute-nepritar…
- 23Simona Voveriūnaitė, “LVŽS ir Darbo partija pasirašė opozicinių frakcijų koalicijos susitarimą – Skvernelio laukia svarbus postas” [LVŽS and Labor Party sign coalition agreement of opposition factions - an important post awaits Skvernelis], delfi.lt, 23 March 2021, https://www.delfi.lt/news/daily/lithuania/lvzs-ir-darbo-partija-pasiras…
- 24In Lithuanian - Demokratų frakcija „Vardan Lietuvos“. Lauryna Vireliūnaitė, “S.Skvernelis išeina: jo buriamoje Seimo frakcijoje – A.Butkevičius, R.Baškienė, V.Bakas” [S.Skvernelis leaves: in his faction of the Seimas - A.Butkevičius, R.Baškienė, V.Bakas], 15min.lt, 7 September 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/s-skvernelis-iseina-jo-bu…. On unsuccessful opposition’s coalition building later: Indrė Jurčenkaitė, “Derybos dėl formalaus susitarimo opozicijoje stringa” [Negotiations on a formal agreement in the opposition are stalling], 15min.lt, 14 September 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/derybos-del-formalaus-sus…
- 25Augustas Stankevičius, BNS, “R.Karbauskis: S.Skvernelio partija nebus konkurentė LVŽS, pereis apie 30 žmonių” [R.Karbauskis: S.Skvernelis' party will not be a competitor of LVŽS, about 30 people will pass], 15min.lt, 18 October 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/r-karbauskis-s-skvernelio…
- 26Like, for example, party members Rima Baškienė, Tomas Tomilinas and non-partisans Saulius Skvernelis, Linas Kukuraitis, Lukas Savickas, who went to the elections under the LVŽS flag. The loss was immediately seen in party‘s popularity ratings, which began to fall already in September (for example, from 16 percent in August to 10 percent in September, according to Vilmorus). Furthermore, in the end of the year, the trend replicated at the local level as well, as some prominent local politicians and even LVŽS chapters en corpore (as in Lazdijai) moved to Mr Skvernelis party. Agnė Liubertaitė, “Kas gresia R. Karbauskio valstiečiams ir ką gali pasiekti S. Skvernelis: įvertino naujausius reitingus” [What threatens R. Karbauskis’ peasants and what S. Skvernelis can achieve: evaluated the latest ratings], lrytas.lt, 25 September 2021, https://www.lrytas.lt/lietuvosdiena/aktualijos/2021/09/25/news/politolo…; Lauryna Vireliūnaitė, Indrė Jurčenkaitė, Aurelija Jašinskienė, “Prie S.Skvernelio jungiasi Neringos, Šilutės merai, Lazdijų „valstiečių“ skyrius” [The mayors of Neringa, Šilutė and the “peasantry” branch of Lazdijai join S. Skvernelis], 15min.lt, 2 December 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/lsdp-palieka-dalis-partij…
- 27Modesta Gaučaitė-Znutienė, “Skvernelis apie naujai kuriamą partiją: esame tautinių pažiūrų, nacionalinės valstybės šalininkai” [Skvernelis about the newly formed party: we are adherents of national views and the nation-state], lrt.lt, 18 October 2021, https://www.lrt.lt/naujienos/lietuvoje/2/1522491/skvernelis-apie-naujai…
- 28Saulius Skvernelis being one of the most popular politicians (3rd place among most popular politicians, as in October). „Populiariausi visuomenės veikėjai“ [The most popular public figures], Vilmorus (public opinion and market research), 15-22 October 2021, http://www.vilmorus.lt/index.php?mact=News,cntnt01,detail,0&cntnt01arti… [accessed on 11 November 2021];
- 29Lauryna Vireliūnaitė, “S.Skvernelis išeis, o kas toliau? Politologai siūlo nelaidoti LVŽS” [S.Skvernelis will leave, and what's next? Political scientists suggest not to bury LVŽS], 15min.lt, 7 September 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/s-skvernelis-iseis-o-kas-…. Competing interpretation would explain it as strengthened party leader’s rule by getting rid of disobedient ones. Example on the tensions inside LVŽS: Vilmantas Venckūnas, “Tomilinas apie Karbauskį: bet kokį diktatorių gimdo aplinka” [Tomilinas about Karbauskis: any dictator is born out of the environment], tv3.lt, 21 July 2021, https://www.tv3.lt/naujiena/lietuva/tomilinas-apie-karbauski-bet-koki-d…. Noticeable, some members left party and didn’t joined S. Skvernelis’ one. For example, at the end of the year LVŽS lost one more of its “front-persons”, right-hand of party chairman Mrs Agnė Širinskienė. Lauryna Vireliūnaitė, “LVŽS paliekanti A.Širinskienė: kentėjau sukandusi dantis tikėdamasi, kad kas nors pasikeis” [A.Širinskienė leaving LVŽS: I suffered biting my teeth hoping that something would change], 15min.lt, 6 December 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/a-sirinskiene-isstoja-is-…
- 30Milena Andrukaitytė, BNS, “Seimas renkasi į pavasario sesiją: svarbiausios įstatymų iniciatyvos” [Seimas convenes for the spring session: the most important legislative initiatives], 15min.lt, 10 March 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/seimas-renkasi-i-pavasari…; 15 min.lt, “V.Čmilytė-Nielsen įvertino Seimo pavasario sesiją: išskyrė 5 svarbias sritis” [V.Čmilytė-Nielsen assessed the spring session of the Seimas: singled out 5 important areas], 15min.lt, 30 June 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/v-cmilyte-nielsen-ivertin…; lrt.lt, “Seimo rudens sesija – kokie laukia svarbiausi darbai?” [Autumn session of the Seimas - what are the most important works?], lrt.lt, 8 September 2021, https://www.lrt.lt/naujienos/lietuvoje/2/1491294/seimo-rudens-sesija-ko…; Milena Andrukaitytė, BNS, “Seimas svarstys siūlymą steigti Žvalgybos kontrolieriaus tarnybą” [Seimas will consider a proposal to establish the Office of the Intelligence Ombudsman], 15min.lt, 30 June 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/seimas-svarstys-siulyma-s…; The Office of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania, “Politinių partijų vadovai pasirašė istorinį susitarimą dėl švietimo politikos dešimčiai metų” [Leaders of political parties signed a historic agreement on education policy for ten years], The Office of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania, 1 September 2021, https://lrv.lt/lt/naujienos/politiniu-partiju-vadovai-pasirase-istorini…
- 31Foremost this would include ratification of Istanbul convention on violence against women and domestic violence and draft law on Partnership, both of which were primarily viewed through LGBT rights aspect in public. Also in this „package“ the law proposals and amendments on such issues as decriminalization of soft drugs, criminalization of persecution, extension of the concept of hate speech, liberalization of restrictions on the sale and advertising of alcohol could be mentioned.
- 32Different positions of President and governing majority over LGBT issues even spilled over to international sphere – in June, President didn’t signed European Council’s letter denouncing Hungary’s new anti-LGBT law, though leadership of Ministry of Foreign Affairs did supported it before. BN, “BNS naujienlaiškis: svarbiausi penktadienio įvykiai” [BNS Newsletter: Highlights of Friday], bns.lt, 25 June 2021, https://www.bns.lt/topic/1911/news/64123941/; Austėja Masiokaitė-Liubinienė, BNS, “Politologai: Lietuva tarptautinei bendruomenei siunčia prieštaringas žinias” [Political scientists: Lithuania is sending contradictory information to the international community], 15min.lt, 25 June 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/politologai-lietuva-tarpt…; Austėja Masiokaitė-Liubinienė, BNS, “V.Čmilytė-Nielsen: santykiuose su Prezidentūra išryškėjo vertybinės skirtys” [V.Čmilytė-Nielsen: Value-based cleavages became apparent in relations with the Presidency], 15mint.lt, 30 June 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/v-cmilyte-nielsen-santyki…
- 33For example, Lietuvos ryto TV, Nauja diena, „„Didysis šeimų maršas“ atskleidžia vis daugiau problemų: emocijos artėja prie įkaitimo ribos“ [The Great Family March reveals more and more problems: emotions are approaching the limit of heat], lrytas.lt, 13 May 2021, https://www.lrytas.lt/lietuvosdiena/aktualijos/2021/05/13/news/-didysis…
- 34For example, as regarding voting on law on partnership in May. “Seimo narių balsavimų rezultatai” [Results of the parlamentarians’ votes], Office of the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania, 25 May 2021, https://www.lrs.lt/sip/portal.show?p_r=37067&p_bals_id=-42625. Also see: Indrė Jurčenkaitė, “Balsavimas dėl partnerystės supurtė LSDP: kitaminčius bandys perkalbėti” [The vote on the partnership shook the LSDP: will try to persuade dissidents], 15min.lt, 4 June 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/balsavimas-del-partneryst…; Modesta Gaučaitė-Znutienė, “Balsavimas už partnerystę Tomilinui gali atsirūgti – partija ketina svarstyti jo elgesį” [Voting for the partnership could backfire for Tomilinas - the party intends to consider his behavior], lrt.lt, 25 May 2021, https://www.lrt.lt/naujienos/lietuvoje/2/1417236/balsavimas-uz-partnery…
- 35For example, Lithuanian Family Movement, “„Didysis Šeimos Gynimo Maršas 2021" Gegužės 15 d. Vilniaus Vingio parke - ĮVYKO” ["The Great Family Defense March 2021" on May 15 in Vilnius Vingis Park - HAPPENED], Lithuanian Family Movement, 2021, https://seimusajudis.lt/didysis-seimos-gynimo-marsas/
- 36For example, Ugnė Paulauskaitė, “Šeimų sąjūdžio mitingas baigėsi: prie Seimo liko tik tvoros ir nepagarbūs užrašai parlamentarams” [The rally of the Family movement is over: only fences and disrespectful notes for parliamentarians remain near the Seimas], tv3.lt, 10 September 2021, https://www.tv3.lt/naujiena/lietuva/seimu-sajudzio-mitingas-baigesi-pri…
- 37Joana Lapėnienė, “Maliukevičius apie riaušes prie Seimo: formuojasi tobula audra” [Maliukevičius on the riots near the Seimas: a perfect storm is forming], lrt.lt, 16 August 2021, https://www.lrt.lt/naujienos/lietuvoje/2/1469396/maliukevicius-apie-ria…
Examines national executive and legislative elections, the electoral framework, the functioning of multiparty systems, and popular participation in the political process. | 6.256 7.007 |
- In 2021, Lithuania saw the effect on its electoral process of two hasty legislative outcomes from previous terms.1 In July 2020, the Constitutional Court (KT) ruled that the procedure for adopting the law on referendum in 2018 was unconstitutional.2 However, in the yearlong grace period granted by the KT, the Seimas failed to adopt a new referendum law, leading to a vacuum of legal regulation on referendums. Citizens soon felt this uncertainty and tangible restriction on their rights: in July, the Central Electoral Commission (VRK) refused to issue signature collection sheets to an initiative for lowering the threshold to initiate referendums.3 The Supreme Administrative Court (LVAT) eventually revoked this VRK decision, although it took reviews by two panels of judges (first in July, then in October) due to the legal uncertainties and lawyers’ varying interpretations.4 Meanwhile, this legal gap continued through year’s end.5
- In April, the KT struck down parts of two other laws changed in 2015 to introduce direct elections for mayors—the court found that such elections should be enshrined not in regular law but in the constitution itself. Similarly, the KT gave till May 2023 to amend the legal basis.6 Having broad public7 and political8 consensus to continue the practice of direct mayoral elections, the relevant constitutional amendments were proposed in April.9 However, the risk of reverting to the old order became plausible as sharp disagreements arose10 over how detailed to make the regulation (and, consequently, how easily it could be changed by future parliamentary majorities) as well as which functions should be designated for mayors (only executive or the current mixed executive-legislative).11 The issue of term limits for mayors, also raised by the KT, received scant attention in 2021.
- Among other electoral topics,12 a special parliamentary group was formed in March to review electoral regulations.13 However, bold reforms proposed by the governing parties—such as changing the Seimas’s mixed electoral system to a proportional one, or changing presidential elections from direct to indirect—were met with harsh criticism from the oppositional LVŽS, which accused TS-LKD of designing laws to favor the party’s electoral interests.14 In May, these reform ideas were publicly abandoned.15
- As a result of two mayors being elected to the parliament in 2020 and a third convicted for corruption and thus resigning in July 2021,16 elections for new mayors took place in Radviliškis in April and in Kelmė and Trakai in October.17 All three polls were considered free and fair,18 with low or moderate turnout.19 As in the 2020 parliamentary elections, the electoral laws and procedures were changed slightly to adapt to the pandemic situation.20
- In 2021, the main political formations held elections for their party leadership. The chairs governing TS-LKD, LRLS, and LP,21 and the oppositional LVŽS and DP, were all reelected.22 Meanwhile, the newly elected LSDP leader Vilija Blinkevičiūtė became one of the country’s most popular politicians, even rivaling President Nausėda,23 and managed to raise the party’s image, with LSDP ending the year as Lithuania’s most popular party24 and returning to seriously compete with LVŽS in the ideological center-left.
- 1By the way, constantly criticized by governing majority, which even declared a goal for itself to slow down legislature, paying attention to quality more than quantity. Review of first results: Indrė Jurčenkaitė, “Pasakyta/padaryta. Kaip uoliai naujasis Seimas vykdė pažadą: „kepė“ įstatymus ar mažino apsukas?” [Said/done. How diligently the new Seimas kept its promise: did it “baked” laws or reduced revolutions?], 15min.lt, 1 March 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/pasakyta-padaryta-kaip-uo…. OECD experts also drew attention to the intensity of Lithuanian legislation, which, according to them, creates the conditions for the occurrence of "legislative inflation". Presentation of key assessment and recommendations: Government strategic analysis center, “Diskusija Seime: kaip gerinti teisėkūros kokybę?” [Discussion in the Seimas: how to improve the quality of legislation?], Government strategic analysis center, 20 April 2021, https://strata.gov.lt/lt/naujienos/8-naujienos/849-diskusija-seime-kaip…
- 2Constitutional Court of the Republic of Lithuania, “The Law on Referendums in its new wording is contrary to the Constitution because it should have been adopted as a constitutional law”, Constitutional Court of the Republic of Lithuania, 30 July 2020, https://www.lrkt.lt/en/about-the-court/news/1342/the-law-on-referendums…
- 3tv3.lt, “Konstituciją keisti panorusių Černiauskienės, Vaišvilos ir Jakilaičio ketinimas subliuško: koją pakišo įstatymas” [The intention of Černiauskienė, Vaišvila and Jakilaitis, who wanted to change the Constitution, collapsed: the law interrupted], tv3.lt, 1 July 2021, https://www.tv3.lt/naujiena/lietuva/konstitucija-keisti-panorusiu-cerni…
- 4Margiris Meilutis, “Sprendimas dėl referendumo sukėlė abejonių: teismo pirmininkas atšaukia atostogas” [The decision on the referendum has raised doubts: the president of the court is canceling the leave], 15min.lt, 19 July 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/sprendimas-del-referendumo-sukele…; Milena Andrukaitytė, BNS, „LVAT paliko galioti sprendimą referendumo byloje: parašų lapai turėjo būti išduoti“ [LVAT upheld the decision in the referendum case: signature sheets had to be issued], lrt.lt, 20 October 2021, https://www.lrt.lt/naujienos/lietuvoje/2/1524868/lvat-paliko-galioti-sp…
- 5Aistė Valiauskaitė, Edvardas Špokas, LRT TV news service, LRT.lt, “Šedbaras žada, kad Referendumo įstatymas Seimo salėje atsidurs kovą” [Šedbaras promises that the referendum law will be in the Seimas hall in March], lrt.lt, 4 November 2021, https://www.lrt.lt/naujienos/lietuvoje/2/1534687/sedbaras-zada-kad-refe…
- 6Constitutional Court of the Republic of Lithuania, “The legal regulation governing the elections and powers of municipal mayors is in conflict with the Constitution”, Constitutional Court of the Republic of Lithuania, 19 April 2021, https://www.lrkt.lt/en/about-the-court/news/1342/the-legal-regulation-g…
- 783 percent of the respondents prefer the direct elections of mayors. Association of Local Authorities in Lithuania, “Galimybė tiesiogiai rinkti merą paskatintų daugiau gyventojų dalyvauti rinkimuose” [The possibility of direct election of the mayor would encourage more people to vote], Association of Local Authorities in Lithuania, 4 May 2021, https://www.lsa.lt/naujienos/2021/05/04/apklausa/
- 8Augustinas Šemelis, Kristina Karlonė, Rūta Lankininkaitė, LRT TV news service, LRT.lt, “Tiesioginių merų rinkimų reikalingumu niekas neabejoja, tačiau kaip turi atrodyti pataisos – nesutariama” [No one doubts the need for direct mayoral elections, but there is disagreement about what the amendments should look like], lrt.lt, 2 June 2021, https://www.lrt.lt/naujienos/lietuvoje/2/1423729/tiesioginiu-meru-rinki…
- 9Two alternative proposals were prepared, see: Jūratė Skėrytė, “Seime – dvi Konstitucijos pataisos dėl merų rinkimų, išsiskyrė požiūris į mero galias” [In Seimas - two amendments to the Constitution regarding the election of mayors, approaches to the powers of the mayor differed], 15min.lt, 28 April 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/seime-dvi-konstitucijos-p…
- 10Between TS-LKD and LRLS on one side and most oppositional parties and LP on the other side.
- 11Jūratė Skėrytė, “Seime – dvi Konstitucijos pataisos dėl merų rinkimų, išsiskyrė požiūris į mero galias” [In Seimas - two amendments to the Constitution regarding the election of mayors, approaches to the powers of the mayor differed], 15min.lt, 28 April 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/seime-dvi-konstitucijos-p…; BNS, “Savivaldybės teikia savo Konstitucijos pataisą dėl tiesioginių merų rinkimų” [Municipalities submit their amendment to the Constitution regarding the direct election of mayors], vz.lt, 19 May 2021, https://www.vz.lt/verslo-aplinka/2021/05/19/savivaldybes-teikia-savo-ko…; 15min.tl, “LSDP piktinasi konservatoriais: atmestos pataisos – jų didesnio plano dalis” [The LSDP is outraged by the Conservatives: the rejected amendments are part of a larger plan], 15min.tl, 25 June 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/lsdp-piktinasi-konservato…; also see footnote/endnote 76.
- 12Like, for example, EU citizens gaining right to become party founders in Lithuania, first voting in the Parliament on the constitutional amendment allowing candidacy from 21 years or LLRA-KŠS proposal to lower the electoral threshold to Seimas by 1 percent for parties and by 2 percent for coalitions (from 5 to 4 and from 7 to 5 percent respectively). Milena Andrukaitytė, BNS, “Europos Sąjungos piliečiai galės tapti partijos steigėjais Lietuvoje” [Citizens of the European Union will be able to become the founders of the party in Lithuania], lrt.lt, 13 June 2021, https://www.lrt.lt/naujienos/lietuvoje/2/1430711/europos-sajungos-pilie…; Milena Andrukaitytė, BNS, “Seimas per pirmąjį balsavimą pritarė iniciatyvai leisti kandidatuoti nuo 21 metų” [In the first ballot, Seimas approved the initiative to allow candidacy from the age of 21], delfi.lt, 23 September, 2021, https://www.delfi.lt/news/daily/lithuania/seimas-per-pirmaji-balsavima-…; 15 min “„Antras dublis“: LLRA-KŠS bando pasigerinti sąlygas patekti į Seimą” [“Second shot”: LLRA-KŠS is trying to improve the conditions for entering Seimas] 15min.lt, 24 February 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/antras-dublis-llra-kss-ba…
- 13Stasys Gudavičius, “Rinkimų tvarkas bandys peržiūrėti per pusmetį” [Will try to review the electoral procedures within six months], Verslo žinios, 13 March 2021, https://www.vz.lt/verslo-aplinka/2021/03/17/rinkimu-tvarkas-bandys-perz…
- 14Lithuanian Peasant and Green Union, “A. Norkienė: LVŽS frakcija traukiasi iš rinkimų darbo grupės Seime” [A. Norkienė: The LVŽS faction is withdrawing from the election working group in Seimas], Lithuanian Peasant and Green Union, 26 March 2021, https://www.lvzs.lt/lt/lvzsnaujienos/a-norkien%C4%97-lv%C5%BEs-frakcija…
- 15ELTA, “Seimo rinkimų peržiūros grupė aptars siūlymus: vien dėl VRK darbo pokyčių sulaukė 45 puslapių rekomendacijų” [The Seimas Election Review Group will discuss the proposals: it received 45 pages of recommendations due to changes in the work of the VRK alone], delfi.lt, 14 May 2021, https://www.delfi.lt/news/daily/lithuania/seimo-rinkimu-perziuros-grupe…. However, media leaked the information on other important changes in elections regulations still discussed: ELTA, Vilma Danauskienė, www.DELFI.lt, “Rinkimų reformos ėmėsi iš peties: TS-LKD vienmandates naikins Laisvės partijos rankomis” [Election reforms take seriously: TS-LKD will eliminate single-members’ distrcits using hands of the Freedom Party], delfi.lt, 1 June 2021, https://www.delfi.lt/news/daily/lithuania/rinkimu-reformos-emesi-is-pet…
- 16BNS, lrytas.lt, “VRK nutraukė dėl korupcijos nuteisto Kelmės rajono mero V. Andrulio įgaliojimus” [VRK terminated the mandate of V. Andrulis, the mayor of Kelmė district, who was convicted of corruption], lrytas.lt, 1 July 2021, https://www.lrytas.lt/lietuvosdiena/aktualijos/2021/07/01/news/vrk-nutr…
- 17In Radviliškis, a candidate, delegated by the Lithuanian Green Party (LŽP) was elected with 59,24 percent of votes in the second round, in Kelmė – self-nominated candidate with 68,14 percent of votes in the second round, and in Trakai - LRLS delegated candidate with 52,39 percent of votes in the second round. The Central Electoral Commission of the Republic of Lithuania, „2021 m. balandžio 11 d. nauji Radviliškio rajono savivaldybės tarybos nario – mero rinkimai (II turas). Balsavimo rezultatai“ [11 April 2021 new elections of the mayor – member of the municipality council of Radviliškis district (round II). Results of votes], The Central Electoral Commission of the Republic of Lithuania, 29 April 2021, https://www.vrk.lt/2021-radviliskio-sav/rezultatai?srcUrl=/rinkimai/114…; The Central Electoral Commission of the Republic of Lithuania, „2021 m. spalio 24 d. nauji Kelmės ir Trakų rajonų savivaldybių tarybų narių – merų rinkimai (II turas). Kelmės rajono savivaldybė. Balsavimo rezultatai“ [24 October 2021 new elections of the mayors – members of the municipalities councils of Kelmė and Trakai districts (round II). Municipality of Kelmė district. Results of votes], The Central Electoral Commission of the Republic of Lithuania, 28 October 2021, https://www.vrk.lt/rezultatai/traku-kelmes-2021-mero?srcUrl=/rinkimai/1…; The Central Electoral Commission of the Republic of Lithuania, „2021 m. spalio 24 d. nauji Kelmės ir Trakų rajonų savivaldybių tarybų narių – merų rinkimai (II turas). Trakų rajono savivaldybė. Balsavimo rezultatai“ [24 October 2021 new elections of the mayors – members of the municipalities councils of Kelmė and Trakai districts (round II). Municipality of Trakai district. Results of votes], The Central Electoral Commission of the Republic of Lithuania, 28 October 2021, https://www.vrk.lt/rezultatai/traku-kelmes-2021-mero?srcUrl=/rinkimai/1…
- 18BNS, lrytas.lt, “Kelmės rajono mero rinkimus laimėjo I. Petkevičius, Trakų rajone – A. Šatevičius” [I. Petkevičius won the mayoral elections in Kelmė district, A. Šatevičius - in Trakai district], lrytas.lt, 25 October 2021, https://www.lrytas.lt/lietuvosdiena/aktualijos/2021/10/24/news/traku-ir…; BNS, “Radviliškio rajono mero rinkimuose dalyvavo trečdalis rinkėjų” [One third of voters took part in the election of the mayor of Radviliškis district], lrytas.lt, 25 April 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/radviliskio-rajono-gyvent…
- 19Turnout rate of 31,98 percent in Radviliškis, 29,47 percent in Kelmė and 39,78 percent in Trakai (all percentages in the second round). See footnote/endnote 85.
- 20Introducing more advance-voting days, allowing for more voting booths, etc. https://www.delfi.lt/news/daily/lithuania/seimas-pakeite-savivaldos-rin…
- 21Noteworthy, in the case of TS-LKD other 15 candidates withdrew from the competition at last-minute and the chairman was approved without the election actually taking place. BNS, “Gabrielius Landsbergis patvirtintas TS-LKD pirmininku” [Gabreilius Landsbergis was confirmed as the chairman of TS-LKD], vz.lt, 26 September 2021, https://www.vz.lt/verslo-aplinka/2021/09/26/gabrielius-landsbergis-patv…; Augustas Stankevičius, “Liberalų sąjūdžio pirmininke perrinkta V.Čmilytė-Nielsen” [V.Čmilytė-Nielsen was re-elected as chairman of the Liberal Movement], 15min.lt, 18 September 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/liberalu-sajudzio-pirmini…; Gintaras Radauskas, “Be staigmenų ir konkurencijos: Laisvės partija pirmininke perrinko A.Armonaitę” [Without surprises and competition: the Freedom Party re-elected A.Armonaitė as its chairman], 15min.lt, 5 June 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/be-staigmenu-ir-konkurenc…
- 22Modesta Gaučaitė-Znutienė, LRT.lt, “Partijos pirmininku perrinktas Karbauskis apie „valstiečių“ ateitį: mus palaidoti gali tik rinkėjai” [Re-elected party chairman Karbauskis on the future of "peasants": only voters can bury us], lrt.lt, 11 December 2021, https://www.lrt.lt/naujienos/lietuvoje/2/1562025/partijos-pirmininku-pe…; BNS, “Darbo partijos pirmininku perrinktas V. Uspaskichas” [V. Uspaskich re-elected as chairman of the Labor Party], vz.lt, 14 November 2021, https://www.vz.lt/verslo-aplinka/2021/11/14/darbo-partijos-pirmininku-p…
- 23For example, in October Mrs Blinkevičiūtė collected 9,9 percent and President Nausėda 8,7 percent of respondents sympathies in open-ended question on the best representative of interests. This is big achievement, since Presidents usualy take this top place in Lithuania. In December, this was 9,4 percent for Mrs Blinkevičiūtė and 10,6 percent for President Nausėda. Vilmorus, “Populiariausi visuomenės veikėjai” [The most popular public figures], Vilmorus, 15-22 October 2021 and Vilmorus, 10-18 December 2021,http://www.vilmorus.lt/index.php?mact=News,cntnt01,detail,0&cntnt01arti…
- 24Ratings of 3 most popular parties in December: LSDP - 18,5 percent, TS-LKD - 10,1 percent, LVŽS – 7,9 percent. Vilmorus, „Partinės preferencijos“ [Party preferences], Vilmorus, 10-18 December 2021, http://www.vilmorus.lt/index.php?mact=News,cntnt01,detail,0&cntnt01arti…
Assesses the capacity and financial sustainability of the civic sector; the political environment in which it operates; the functioning of trade unions; interest group participation;and the threat posed by antidemocratic extremist groups. | 6.006 7.007 |
- The increased mobilization of Lithuanian civil society during times of crisis was further visible in 2021. A survey conducted in early spring found that 78 percent of the population was involved in at least one civic activity in the last year, a significant contrast compared to the previous year’s 64 percent. For example, donations rose by 22 percent and involvement in local community activities rose by 13 percent as compared to the pre-pandemic years.1 Demand for civic sector assistance likewise increased—in addition to the continuing need for pandemic-related causes,2 the rising demands of the migration crisis called for increased contributions,3 and civil society organizations (CSOs) also reported the increasing amount of need among local populations.4 CSOs managed to provide assistance.5 However, they noted the tendency of state institutions to over-exploit this resource, underequipping volunteers or relying on them to “patch holes” in emergency mobilization for prolonged periods of time.6
- Lithuania’s long-awaited nongovernmental organization (NGO) fund made its first call for applications in October.7 This fund, together with the Active Citizens Fund8 and other large ministry funds,9 were extremely important for CSOs since funding remains the sector’s most burdensome issue. Relocation of the National NGO Council to the government in July marked a symbolic recognition of the importance of CSOs.10 At the same time, CSOs remarked that parliamentary parties lack a commitment to include civil society in decision-making processes or do so in merely pro forma fashion.11
- Though membership remains low12 (possibly a holdover from Soviet times13 ), trade unions were more visible and active in reacting to COVID-19 crisis management actions.14 In April, unions achieved an important victory in court when, for the first time, an employer was penalized for obstructing trade union activity.15
- During the year, demonstrations over the shutdown of businesses during quarantine, against illegal migration, and in support of Belarus civil society took place.16 Unequivocally, the largest and most prominent protests in the public sphere were those confronting the government, its management of the pandemic, and the socioculturally liberal legislative initiatives (like ratification of the Istanbul Convention and a bill that would, among other provisions, allow for same-sex partnerships). Beginning nationwide in May with “The Great Family Defense March,”17 waves of protests continued until the end of the year, and even turned into riots in August.18 Along the way, these protests came to incorporate actions against the temporary shelter of illegal migrants in smaller settlements and demonstrations against traditional media.19 Leaders of the protests were quite diverse, including former politicians, business persons, academics, celebrities, and a number of highly controversial agents.20 Initially organized by the right-wing Lithuanian Family Movement (LŠS), founded in June,21 splits in the protest leadership began to occur by September,22 with the LŠS dissociating from some of the protests—and all leaders denouncing any association with the August riots.23 Some counter-demonstrations were also held,24 which indicated sharp divisions in the general society, as well as sharpening conflicts in and between government institutions.25
- Local municipalities escalated such disputes by selectively authorizing demonstrations: Vilnius municipality denied permission to demonstrate to LŠS, while Kaunas municipality denied the LGBT+ community permission to rally.26 In both cases, after heated public debates, courts protected Lithuanians’ democratic rights to publicly assemble and express their views.27
- 1Civil Society Institute, „Pilietinės galios indeksas 2020 m.“ [Civic Empowerment Index 2020], Civil Society Institute, 2021, http://www.civitas.lt/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/PGI_2020metai_visas.pdf
- 2Like, for example, mobilizing volunteers to help in mass-vaccination processes. See 15min, “Trūksta savanorių: Raudonasis Kryžius ir savivaldybės kviečia padėti vakcinacijos centruose” [Lack of volunteers: The Red Cross and municipalities are calling for help at vaccination centers], 15min.lt, 7 May 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/truksta-savanoriu-raudona…
- 3BNS, “Nevyriausybinės organizacijos ruošiasi teikti pagalbą migrantams” [Non-governmental organizations are preparing to provide assistance to migrants], 15min.lt, 1 July 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/nevyriausybines-organizac…; 15min, “Nevyriausybinės organizacijos: maždaug pusė sieną kertančių migrantų – moterys ir vaikai” [Non-governmental organizations: About half of migrants crossing the border are women and children], 15min.lt, 24 August 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/nevyriausybines-organizac…
- 4BNS, “Nepasiturintiesiems paaukota per 216 tūkst. maisto produktų, aukota mažiau nei pernai” [Over 216 thousand food products were donated to the needy, less than last year], 15min.lt, 11 January 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/nepasiturintiesiems-paauk…
- 5For example: 15min, “Lietuvos žmonės per kelias paras ligoninėms padovanojo medicinos įrangos už 150 tūkst. eurų" [In a few days, Lithuanians donated medical equipment to hospitals for 150,000 euros], 15min.lt, 11 January 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/lietuvos-zmones-per-kelia…; 15min, “Raudonasis Kryžius suteikė pagalbos migrantų krizei stabilizuoti daugiau nei už 500 tūkst. eurų" [The Red Cross provided more than 500,000 euros in aid to stabilize the migrant crisis], 15min.lt, 6 October 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/raudonasis-kryzius-suteik…
- 6“Konferencija „Savanorystės reikšmė pandemijos suvaldyme: pamokos ateičiai“” [Conference "The Importance of Volunteering in Pandemic Management: Lessons for the Future"], Atviras Seimas [Open Parliament], 16 June 2021, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LQUcfUxCsQ
- 7Ministry of Social Security and Labour of the Republic of Lithuania, “Kvietimas NVO teikti projektus NVO fondo organizuojamam 2021 m. projektų konkursui” [Call for NGOs to submit projects to the NGO Foundation for the 2021 project competition], Ministry of Social Security and Labour of the Republic of Lithuania, October 2021, https://socmin.lrv.lt/lt/skelbimai/kvietimas-nvo-teikti-projektus-nvo-f…
- 8This call distributed €1,055,000 from the European Economic Area (EEA) and Norwegian financial mechanisms to strengthen Lithuanian civil society and empower vulnerable groups. Active Citizens Fund, „Second call for applications for the Active Citizens Fund“, Active Citizens Fund, https://apf.lt/en/second-call-for-applications-for-the-active-citizens-…
- 9Ministry of Social Security and Labour of the Republic of Lithuania, “Šiais metais bendruomenėms stiprinti skirta daugiau kaip 2 mln. eurų” [More than 2 million euros were allocated to strengthening communities this year], Ministry of Social Security and Labour of the Republic of Lithuania, 13 July 2021, https://socmin.lrv.lt/lt/naujienos/siais-metais-bendruomenems-stiprinti…
- 10The Office of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania, “Veiklą pradėjo NVO taryba prie Vyriausybės” [The NGO Council under the Government started its activities],The Office of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania, 08 July 2021, https://epilietis.lrv.lt/lt/naujienos/veikla-pradejo-nvo-taryba-prie-vy…
- 11LRT.lt, “Daugiau nei 100 NVO kreipėsi į Šimonytę: kodėl organizacijų balsas tapo nebesvarbus?” [More than 100 NGOs approached Šimonytė: why did the voice of organizations become irrelevant?], lrt.lt, 24 March 2021, https://www.lrt.lt/naujienos/lietuvoje/2/1372362/daugiau-nei-100-nvo-kr…; Jurgita Šimelevičienė, “Už borto: savivalda ir nevyriausybininkai į 2,2 mlrd. eurų Atsigavimo plano dalybas jaučiasi neįtraukti” [Overboard: local government and non-government organizations feel to be excluded from the 2.2 billion EUR Recovery plan breakdown], 15min.lt, 9 April 2021, https://www.15min.lt/verslas/naujiena/finansai/uz-borto-savivalda-ir-ne…
- 12Membership of 3 percent as in March/April 2021. Civil Society Institute, „Pilietinės galios indeksas 2020 m.“ [Civic Empowerment Index 2020], Civil Society Institute, 2021, http://www.civitas.lt/time-line/pilietines-galios-indeksas-2020-m/
- 1315min, “Profesinės sąjungos lietuviams vis dar kvepia sovietmečiu – sako „Solidarumo“ vadovė” [Trade unions still smell as the Soviet era for Lithuanians, says the head of “Solidarity” union], 15min.lt, 1 May 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/profesines-sajungos-lietu…
- 14Various examples: The Lithuanian Trade Union Confederation, „Naujienos“ [News], The Lithuanian Trade Union Confederation, 2021, https://www.lpsk.lt/naujienos/
- 1515min, “Pirmą kartą Lietuvos istorijoje teismas nubaudė už trukdymą profsąjungų veiklai” [For the first time in the history of Lithuania, the court fined for obstructing trade union activities], 15min.lt, 22 April 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/pirma-karta-lietuvos-isto…
- 16See, for example: delfi.lt, „Protestuoja „Vilniaus viešojo transporto“ darbuotojai: tikina, kad prie savivaldybės gyvens tol, kol bus išklausyti“ [Employees of Vilnius Public Transport are protesting: assure that they will live near the municipality until they are heard], delfi.lt, 15 September 2021, https://www.delfi.lt/verslas/verslas/protestuoja-vilniaus-viesojo-trans…; Beatričė Bankauskaitė, „Prie Vyriausybės susirinkę pareigūnai sako nusivylę A.Dulkiu ir I.Šimonyte: neturime būti išmaldos prašytojai“ [Officials at the Government say they are disappointed with A. Dulkys and I. Šimonytė: we must not be beggars], 15min.lt, 7 April 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/prie-vyriausybes-susirink…; Raminta Rakauskė, „Paskutinę vakarienę surengę viešbučiai ir restoranai: pasiekėme dugną, o iš valdžios girdime – pinigų nėra“ [Hotels and restaurants at the „Last dinner“: we have reached the bottom and everything we hear from the Government – „There is no money“], delfi.lt, 16 March 2021, https://www.delfi.lt/verslas/verslas/paskutine-vakariene-surenge-viesbu…; LRT RADIJAS, LRT.lt, BNS, „Prie Vyriausybės – visuomenininkų protestas dėl migrantų apgręžimo politikos: esame prieš tai, kad mūsų pasienis taptų kapinynu“ [At the Government, public protest against the policy of returning migrants: we are against our border becoming a repository], lrt.lt, 7 November 2021, https://www.lrt.lt/naujienos/lietuvoje/2/1535894/prie-vyriausybes-visuo…; Ignas Jačauskas, Gabrielė Navickaitė, „Keliasdešimt Lietuvoje gyvenančių baltarusių surengė protesto akciją pasienyje” [Dozens of Belarusians living in Lithuania staged a protest at the border], 15min.lt, 26 June 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/keliasdesimt-lietuvoje-gy…; 15min, “Į S.Cichanouskajos surengtą baltarusių palaikymo akciją rinkosi šimtai lietuvių” [Hundreds of Lithuanians took part in the support campaign for Belarusians organized by S. Cichanouskaya], 29 May 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/i-s-cichanouskajos-sureng…; BNS, “Prie Kinijos ambasados – piketas dėl žmogaus teisių pažeidimų Tibete, Sindziange, Honkonge” [At the Chinese Embassy, a picket on human rights abuses in Tibet, Xinjiang and Hong Kong], 15min.lt, 17 May 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/prie-kinijos-ambasados-pi…; Beatričė Bankauskaitė, “Iš gyvenimo pasitraukus jaunai gydytojai, medikai rinkosi į protestą: laikas nusiimti rožinius akinius, mobingas egzistuoja” [After the suicide of young doctor, medics gathered in a protest: it's time to take off your pink glasses, mobbing exists], 15min.lt, 23 May 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/i-protesta-pries-mobinga-…; etc.
- 17Lithuanian Family Movement, “„Didysis Šeimos Gynimo Maršas 2021" Gegužės 15 d. Vilniaus Vingio parke - ĮVYKO” ["The Great Family Defense March 2021" on May 15 in Vilnius Vingis Park - HAPPENED], Lithuanian Family Movement, 2021, https://seimusajudis.lt/didysis-seimos-gynimo-marsas/; BNS, Dalius Simėnas, „„Didžiajame šeimos gynimo marše“ Vingio parke Vilniuje dalyvavo apie 10.000 žmonių“ [About 10,000 people took part in the "Great Family Defense March" in Vingis Park in Vilnius], vz.lt, 15 May 2021, https://www.vz.lt/laisvalaikis/2021/05/15/vilniuje-rengiamas-didysis-se…. Though, for example, smaller protest opposing governments‘ policies in pandemic management occurred already in March: Margiris Meilutis, “A.Armonaitė kreipėsi į prokuratūrą dėl prieš T.Raskevičių nukreiptų pasisakymų” [A.Armonaitė applied to the Prosecutor's Office regarding the statements directed against T.Raskevičius], 15min.lt, 22 March 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/a-armonaite-kreipesi-i-pr…
- 18Modesta Gaučaitė-Znutienė, “LRT trumpai. Riaušės prie Seimo – kaip viskas vyko?” [LRT in brief. Riots near the Seimas - how did everything go?], lrt.lt, 11 August 2021, https://www.lrt.lt/naujienos/lietuvoje/2/1466941/lrt-trumpai-riauses-pr…; Joana Lapėnienė, “Maliukevičius apie riaušes prie Seimo: formuojasi tobula audra” [Maliukevičius on the riots near the Seimas: a perfect storm is forming], lrt.lt, 16 August 2021, https://www.lrt.lt/naujienos/lietuvoje/2/1469396/maliukevicius-apie-ria…. Other examples: 15min, „Prie Seimo antrą dieną mitinguoja „maršininkai“ – skamba armonikos ir sirena” ["Marchers" rally near the Seimas the second day - harmonicas and a siren sound], 15min.lt, 16 June 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/prie-seimo-antra-diena-mi…; BNS, “Keli tūkstančiai žmonių Vilniuje protestuoja prieš COVID-19 ribojimus” [In Vilnius, several thousand people are protesting against the restrictions of COVID-19], vz.lt, 10 September 2021, https://www.vz.lt/verslo-aplinka/2021/09/10/lietuvos-seimu-sajudis-reng…; Andresa Repšytė, “„Basos mamos“ sustoti neketina: kova už vaikų gerovę ar siekis pelnyti politinių taškų?” ["Barefoot Moms" is not going to stop: the struggle for the welfare of children or the pursuit of political points?], tv3.lt, 29 November 2021, https://www.tv3.lt/naujiena/lietuva/basos-mamos-sustoti-neketina-kova-u…; Ignas Jačauskas, BNS, LRT.lt, “Prie Seimo – pasiruošimas Šeimų sąjūdžio piketui: teritorija aplink pastatą aptverta tvora”[ Near the Seimas - preparations for the picket of the Family Movement: the area around the building is fenced], lrt.lt, 6 December 2021, https://www.lrt.lt/naujienos/lietuvoje/2/1557426/prie-seimo-pasiruosima…
- 19For example, Lithuanian Family Movement “„Lietuvos Šeimų Sąjūdis“ pradėjo protesto akciją „Apginkime Lietuvos sieną“” [Lithuanian Family Movement launched a protest campaign "Let's defend the Lithuanian border"], Lithuanian Family Movement, 11 July 2021, https://seimusajudis.lt/naujienos/lietuvos-seimu-sajudis-pradejo-protes…; Mindaugas Vasiliauskas, BNS, tv3.lt, “Migrantų antplūdžio fone – šeimų maršo atstovų šou Dieveniškėse: nurodinėjo vietiniams, vijo žurnalistus” [Against the background of the influx of migrants - a show of the representatives of the Family march in Dieveniškės: instructed the locals, chased journalists], tv3.lt, 26 July 2021, https://www.tv3.lt/naujiena/video/migrantu-antpludzio-fone-seimu-marso-…; Agnė Černiaskaitė, “Protestas iš Dieveniškių persikėlė prie Vyriausybės: susirinko šimtai žmonių, pasirodė ir keli politikai” [The protest moved from Dieveniškės to the Government: hundreds of people gathered and several politicians appeared], lrytas.lt, 29 July 2021, https://www.lrytas.lt/lietuvosdiena/aktualijos/2021/07/29/news/protesta…; Vilius Petkauskas, “Mitingas prie Seimo „už žmonių laisvę“: prieš karantiną, Billą Gatesą, LGBT teises ir žiniasklaidą” [Rally "For people's freedom" at the Seimas: against quarantine, Bill Gates, LGBT rights and media], 15min.lt, 28 May 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/mitingas-prie-seimo-uz-zm…; Indrė Jurčenkaitė, “„Šeimos gynimo maršo“ organizatoriai žada rengti dar vieną trijų dienų mitingą” [Organizers of the "Family Defense March" promise to hold another three-day rally], 15min.lt, 20 May 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/seimos-gynimo-marso-organ…; delfi.lt, “Protesto organizatorė Astrauskaitė vykdė akciją „Išmesk televizorių prie LRT”” [Protest organizer Astrauskaitė carried out the campaign "Throw away the TV at LRT"], delfi.lt, 3 September 2021, https://www.delfi.lt/news/daily/lithuania/protesto-organizatore-astraus…
- 20Vilmantas Venckūnas, “Įvertino šeimos gynimo maršo organizatorius: jei Šimonytė būtų už krepšinį, jie būtų už tinklinį” [Evaluated the organizers of the Family defense march: if Šimonytė were for basketball, they would be for volleyball], tv3.lt, 13 May 2021, https://www.tv3.lt/naujiena/lietuva/ivertino-seimos-gynimo-marso-organi…; Mindaugas Vasiliauskas, “Šeimų gynimo marše priedangos ieško neaiškūs veikėjai: teisti, teisiami ir net esantys saugumo ataskaitose” [Under the cover of Family defense march, vague figures are looking for shelter: convicted, tried, and even on security reports], tv3.lt, 29 April 2021, https://www.tv3.lt/naujiena/video/seimu-gynimo-marse-priedangos-iesko-n…; 15min, “Skandalingoji mokytoja sušaukė protestą prieš testavimą ir karantiną: tarp keliasdešimties pasirodžiusiųjų – ir D.Kepenis, P.Gražulis, N.Puteikis” [The scandalous teacher protested against testing and quarantine: D.Kepenis, P.Gražulis, N.Puteikis were among the several dozen who appeared], 15min.lt, 24 March 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/skandalingoji-mokytoja-su…
- 21Lithuanian Family Movement, “Birželio 27 įvyko steigiamasis asociacijos „Lietuvos Šeimų Sąjūdis“ susirinkimas” [The inaugural meeting of the “Lithuanian Family Movement” Association took place on June 27], Lithuanian Family Movement, 27 June 2021, https://seimusajudis.lt/naujienos/birzelio-27-ivyko-steigiamasis-asocia…
- 22Mindaugas Vasiliauskas, “„Šeimų sąjūdis“ pradėjo rietis tarpusavyje: susipyko dėl vaizdo įrašo” [The Families' Movement has begun to quarrel with each other over the video], tv3.lt, 20 September 2021, https://www.tv3.lt/naujiena/video/seimu-sajudis-pradejo-rietis-tarpusav…; 15min, “Šeimų sąjūdžiai skiriasi: feisbuke skelbia apie atsiribojimą vienas nuo kito” [Family movements are divorsing: post about dissociation from each other in Facebook], 15min.lt, 17 September 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/seimu-sajudziai-skiriasi-…
- 23Lithuanian Family Movement, “LŠS pareiškimas dėl rugpjūčio 10 d. mitingo įvykių” [Statement of the LŠS on the events of the August 10 rally], Lithuanian Family Movement, 12 August 2021, https://seimusajudis.lt/naujienos/lss-pareiskimas-del-rugpjucio-10-d-mi…; Indrė Jurčenkaitė, “Protesto prie Seimo organizatorė A.G.Astrauskaitė: „Mitingas pasibaigė labai gražiai“” [Organizer of the protest at the Seimas A.G.Astrauskaitė: "The rally ended very nicely"], 15min.lt, 11 August 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/protesto-prie-seimo-organ…
- 24Ignas Jačauskas, “Liberalaus jaunimo proteste – raginimai G.Nausėdai tvirčiau ginti žmogaus teises” [In the protest of liberal youth - calls on G. Nausėda to defend human rights more strongly], 15min.lt, 9 September 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/liberalaus-jaunimo-protes…; Roberta Tracevičiūtė, “Vykstant šeimos gynimo maršui – piknikas prieš homofobiją: susirinkusieji kalbėjo, kad svarbu pasipriešinti tamsai ir neapykantai” [During the family defense march - picnic against homophobia: those who gathered spoke of the importance of resisting the darkness and hatred], 15min.lt, 15 May 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/vykstant-seimos-gynimo-ma…
- 25See more in „National Democratic Governance“ section.
- 26ELTA, “R.Šimašius apie Šeimų sąjūdžio protestui neišduotą leidimą: neleisime, kad mus kvailintų” [R.Šimašius on the permission not issued for the protest of the Family Movement: we will not allow us to be fooled], madeinvilnius.lt, 3 September 2021, https://madeinvilnius.lt/naujienos/miestas/r-simasius-apie-seimu-sajudz…; Karolina Stažytė, “Kova dėl LGBTQ+ eitynių Kaune persikėlė į teismą: išgirdo pasiūlymą rengti už miesto” [The fight for LGBTQ + march in Kaunas has moved to court: heard a proposal to hold outside the city], 15min.lt, 29 July 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/kova-del-lgbtq-eityniu-ka…. Vilnius municipality nevertheless issued another permission for the LŠS’ rally at the same day: Violeta Grigaliūnaitė, “Vilniaus savivaldybė išdavė leidimą mitingui prie katedros, organizatoriai laukia teismo žodžio” [Vilnius municipality has issued a permit for the rally at the Cathedral, the organizers are waiting for the court word], 8 September 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/vilniaus-savivaldybe-isda…
- 27Lrt.lt, “„Šeimų sąjūdžio“ lyderio pergalė – teismas patenkino skundą dėl rugsėjo 10-osios mitingo” [Victory of the “Family Movement” leader - court satisfies complaint of September 10 Rally], lrt.lt, 28 October 2021, https://www.lrt.lt/naujienos/lietuvoje/2/1531001/seimu-sajudzio-lyderio…; Lauryna Vireliūnaitė, “Teismas įpareigojo Kauno savivaldybę iki vakaro suderinti LGBTQ+ eitynių maršrutą” [The court ordered Kaunas Municipality to coordinate the route of the LGBTQ + march by the evening], 3 September 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/teismas-kauno-savivaldybe…
Examines the current state of press freedom, including libel laws, harassment of journalists, and editorial independence; the operation of a financially viable and independent private press; and the functioning of the public media. | 5.756 7.007 |
- With a new governing majority in place, visible tensions between the government and the media were somewhat reduced in 2021 (for example, the media were finally granted access to data on official state registers in April1 ).2 However, not all expectations for a respectful relationship were met, with the journalistic community taking special offense when overlooked in the prioritizing of vaccinations.3 Both the pandemic and migration crises, as well as the harsh public collision between liberal and conservative values, brought further challenges with several government attempts to restrict information and regulate public discussions. In the summer months, journalists were banned from entering the border area.4 In March, the Interior Minister voiced a desire to punish individuals for spreading disinformation on the COVID-19 vaccine;5 and the Justice Minister introduced legislative amendments imposing administrative penalties for spreading hate speech, which were withdrawn after receiving public criticism.6
- During the year, commercial media and some politicians questioned the national public broadcaster (LRT) over its financing model and spending. LRT was accused of abandoning its mission by starting to act as a commercial outlet and dominant player, restricting competition and distorting the market.7 The aim of LRT itself to limit the number of institutions with oversight sparked a wider debate about the mechanism of media self-regulation.8 Despite agreeing on the need to review this mechanism—by noting its bureaucratization, doubts about impartiality, and effectiveness—politicians and media representatives nonetheless disagreed on next steps: parliamentarians formed a working group on the issue, while the media preferred to find consensus among themselves and viewed the official initiative as interference and politicization, further warning about threats to media freedom and independence.9
- In October, old concerns about excessive use of the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and lack of exceptions were exacerbated when the Supreme Administrative Court (LVAT) decided that a local news portal, Atvira Klaipėda, had infringed the GDPR in its investigation into public procurement abuse by disclosing names of persons involved in a municipal purchase. This court decision was viewed as a dangerous precedent, harming public interest and restricting the right to information, and it provoked not only a unified response from the journalistic community but also wide public discussion. As a consequence, LVAT initiated a case review, and parliamentarians undertook to clarify the definition of “public person.”10
- Public trust in media fell sharply in 2021—especially in the contexts of intensified disinformation,11 the rise of social media as an important source of news,12 two major national crises, and increasing public confrontations over social values—with distrust in media overtaking public sentiment for the first time since Lithuania’s independence.13 This shift was also reflected in crowd behavior during antigovernment protests in the summer, when journalists reported being attacked both verbally and physically.14 Politicians condemned such behavior, and several legislative initiatives were launched to protect the right of journalists to collect information at public events as well as to protect them from unjustified prosecution.15
- A study early in the year revealed that media outlets in some municipalities experienced pressure from local governments: 59 percent of local journalists noticed exclusionary advertising; 48 percent noted that local government officials provided information exclusives to certain outlets; 48 percent observed that grants from the local budget were given to certain media; and 39 percent noticed the clandestine involvement of local authorities in media business in some regions.16
- 1Milena Andrukaitytė, “Žurnalistams sudaryta galimybė neatlygintinai gauti duomenis iš valstybės registrų” [Journalists got the opportunity to receive data from state registers free of charge], 15 April 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/seimas-balsuos-del-zurnal…
- 2On the previous years‘ situation and tensions between LVŽS-led-government and the media (especialy LRT) see „Nations in Transit“ 2021 and 2020 Lithuania‘s reports. „Nations in Transit 2021: Lithuania“, Freedom House, 2021, https://freedomhouse.org/country/lithuania/nations-transit/2021; „Nations in Transit 2020: Lithuania“, Freedom House, 2020, https://freedomhouse.org/country/lithuania/nations-transit/2020#footnot…
- 3For example, Brigita Sabaliauskaitė, „Vyriausybės „spjūvis“ žiniasklaidos bendruomenei: žurnalistai neatlieka svarbių funkcijų” [The Government’s spit on the media community: journalists do not perform important functions], delfi.lt, 26 April 2021, https://www.delfi.lt/m360/naujausi-straipsniai/vyriausybes-spjuvis-zini…
- 415min, “Lietuvos žiniasklaida paskelbė kreipimąsi dėl žurnalistų darbo pasienyje” [Lithuanian media issued an appeal regarding the work of journalists at the border], 15min.lt, 6 September 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/lietuvos-ziniasklaida-pas…; Leonardas Marcinkevičius, ELTA, “Viceministras atsakė pasienyje dirbti negalintiems žurnalistams: bet koks pasieniečių blaškymas yra ne visai reikalingas” [Deputy Minister replied to journalists unable to work at the border: any distraction of border guards is not entirely necessary], delfi.lt, 7 September 2021, https://www.delfi.lt/news/daily/lithuania/viceministras-atsake-pasienyj…; Augustas Stankevičius, “G.Landsbergis apie žurnalistų kreipimąsi: turime būti atsargūs dėl galimų provokacijų” [G.Landsbergis on journalists' appeal: we must be careful about possible provocations], 15min.lt, 7 September 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/g-landsbergis-apie-zurnal…. The state of emergency imposed in November emphasized this again. Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Lithuania, “Dažniausiai užduodami klausimai dėl nepaprastosios padėties” [Frequently asked questions about an emergency situation], Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Lithuania, November 2021, https://vrm.lrv.lt/dazniausiai-uzduodami-klausimai-del-nepaprastosios-p…. However, the ban was lifted in mid-November: Dalia Plikūnė, “Keičiamas VSAT vado įsakymas: kilometro draudimo nebelieka, žurnalistai galės dirbti pasienio ruože” [The order of the head of the VSAT is being changed: the kilometer’s prohibition is removed, journalists will be able to work in the border section], delfi.lt, 18 November 2021, https://www.delfi.lt/news/daily/lithuania/keiciamas-vsat-vado-isakymas-…
- 5Ramūnas Jakubauskas, BNS, LRT TV news service, LRT.lt, “Į kovą prieš neapykantą ir dezinformaciją elektroninėje erdvėje stos virtualus policijos patrulis” [A virtual police patrol will join the fight against hate and misinformation in the electronic space], lrt.lt, 1 March 2021, https://www.lrt.lt/naujienos/lietuvoje/2/1355030/i-kova-pries-neapykant…
- 6Milena Andrukaitytė, “Laisvės partijos frakcija atsiėmė pataisas dėl baudų už neapykantos kurstymą ir patyčias” [Freedom Party withdraws amendments on fines for incitement to hatred and bullying], 15min.lt, 25 March 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/laisves-partijos-frakcija…
- 7Jūratė Žuolytė, “Seime pritarta LRT įstatymo pakeitimui: vėliau žadama sugrįžti prie platesnio finansavimo klausimo” [Seimas approved an amendment to the LRT law: later it is promised to return to the issue of wider financing], delfi.lt, 16 November 2021, https://www.delfi.lt/m360/naujausi-straipsniai/seime-pritarta-lrt-istat…; 15min, “IŽA: ydinga LRT finansinė kontrolė iškreipia žiniasklaidos rinką” [IŽA: faulty LRT financial control distorts the media market], 15min.lt, 18 October 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/iza-ydinga-lrt-finansine-…; BNS, “Komercinė žiniasklaida ragina Kultūros ministeriją peržiūrėti LRT finansavimą” [The commercial media calls on the Ministry of Culture to review LRT funding], 15min, 3 March 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/komercine-ziniasklaida-ra…
- 8Beatričė Bankauskaitė, “LRT atsiima prašymą, kad jos nebevertintų Etikos komisija, prašo Kultūros komiteto lyderystės dėl žiniasklaidos reguliacijos” [LRT withdraws request to be no longer evaluated by Ethics Commission, asks Culture Committee for leadership on media regulation], 15min.lt, 4 January 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/lrt-atsiima-prasyma-kad-j…
- 9Aleksandra Ketlerienė, LRT RADIJO laida „Aktualijų studija“, LRT.lt, “„Iškreipta ir biurokratizuota“: kokios žiniasklaidos savireguliacijos reikia Lietuvai?” ["Distorted and bureaucratised": what kind of media self-regulation does Lithuania need?], lrt.lt, 23 March 2021, https://www.lrt.lt/naujienos/lietuvoje/2/1371355/iskreipta-ir-biurokrat…; Simona Vasiliauskaitė, LRT RADIJO laida „60 minučių“, LRT.lt, “Ekspertai: žiniasklaidos reguliavimo laukas perkrautas, tuo užsiimti turėtų ne vadybininkai” [Experts: The field of media regulation is overcrowded, this should not be done by managers], lrt.lt, 21 December 2020, 21 https://www.lrt.lt/naujienos/lietuvoje/2/1303921/ekspertai-ziniasklaido…; BNS, “Seimo valdyba sudarė darbo grupę sukurti naują žiniasklaidos savitvarkos modelį” [The Board of Seimas set up a working group to develop a new model of media self-regulation], 15min.lt, 19 May 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/seimo-valdyba-sudare-darb…; Lithuanian Union of Journalists, “Lietuvos žurnalistai įspėja - politikų kišimasis į žiniasklaidos savireguliaciją kelia pavojų spaudos laisvei” [Lithuanian journalists warn that politicians' interference in media self-regulation threatens press freedom], Lithuanian Union of Journalists, 1 April 2021, http://www.lzs.lt/lt/naujienos/aktuali_informacija/archive/p17/lietuvos…; Jūratė Skėrytė, “Nepaisant prieštaravimo, Seime žadama kurti darbo grupę dėl žiniasklaidos savireguliacijos” [Despite the controversy, there are promises to set up a working group on media self-regulation in Seimas], 15min.lt, 31 March 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/nepaisant-priestaravimo-s…
- 10Jurgita Andriejauskaitė, “Po teismo sprendimo prabilo apie smūgį žiniasklaidai: „Tai baisus precedentas“” [After the court ruling, statements about the blow to the media: "It's a terrible precedent"], 15min.lt, 7 October 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/po-teismo-sprendimo-prabi…; BNS, “TILS vadovas ragina apibrėžti ribas, kas laikytina viešuoju interesu” [TILS head calls for the definition of what constitutes a public interest], 15min.lt, 7 October 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/tils-vadovas-ragina-apibr…; Lithuanian Union of Journalists, “Lietuvos žurnalistų ir žiniasklaidos priemonių viešas pareiškimas. Valdžios įstaigų sprendimais siaurinama visuomenės teisė į informaciją – pavojus demokratijai” [Public statement of Lithuanian journalists and media. The decisions of the authorities to restrict the public's right to information are a threat to democracy], Lithuanian Union of Journalists , 8 October 2021, http://www.lzs.lt/lt/naujienos/aktuali_informacija/archive/lietuvos_zur…; delfi.lt, “IŽA pirmininkas Arnas Marcinkus: teismo sprendimas gali užkirsti kelią sužinoti, kaip naudojami mokesčių mokėtojų pinigai” [IŽA Chairman Arnas Marcinkus: Court decision may prevent finding out how taxpayers' money is being used], delfi.lt, 8 October 2021, https://www.delfi.lt/m360/naujausi-straipsniai/iza-pirmininkas-arnas-ma…; 15min, “Naujienų portalų atstovai: būtina tikslinti viešojo asmens sąvoką ir užkirsti kelią piktnaudžiavimui” [Representatives of news portals: it is necessary to clarify the concept of public figure and prevent abuse], 15min.lt, 12 October 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/naujienu-portalu-atstovai…; Milena Andrukaitytė, “Seimo pirmininkė: bus teikiamos pataisos, kad „Atviros Klaipėdos“ situacija nepasikartotų” [Speaker of the Seimas: Amendments will be provided to prevent a recurrence of the situation of "Open Klaipeda"], 15min.lt, 13 October 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/seimo-pirmininke-bus-teik…; 15min, “IŽA siūlo tikslinti Seime registruotas pataisas dėl viešo asmens sąvokos keitimo” [IŽA proposes to revise the amendments registered in the Seimas regarding the change of the concept of a public person], 15min.lt, 15 October 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/iza-siulo-tikslinti-seime…; BNS, “Seimas ėmėsi tikslinti viešojo asmens apibrėžimą” [Seimas begun to clarify the definition of a public person], 15min.lt, 19 October 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/seimas-emesi-tikslinti-vi…; BNS, “Teismas atnaujino „Atviros Klaipėdos“ bylą” [The court reopened the “Open Klaipėda” case], lrt.lt, 17 November 2021, https://www.lrt.lt/naujienos/lietuvoje/2/1543482/teismas-atnaujino-atvi…
- 1115min, “Sausį išaugo dezinformacijos kiekis, ypatingai siekta menkinti Sausio 13-osios įvykius” [The amount of disinformation increased in January, especially to downplay the events of January 13th], 15min.lt, 13 February 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/sausi-isaugo-dezinformaci…; 15min, “Kariuomenės analitikai įspėja: socialiniuose tinkluose dažnai skleidžiama melaginga informacija apie vakciną nuo koronaviruso” [Military analysts warn: false information about a coronavirus vaccine is often spread on social media], 15min.lt, 4 February 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/kariuomenes-analitikai-is…; BNS, “Kariuomenė: nelegali migracija tapo dezinformacijos taikiniu” [Army: Illegal migration become a target of disinformation], 15min.lt, 9 September 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/kariuomene-nelegali-migra…. On most popular disinformation narratives and public attitudes supporting them see: Donatas Puslys, Gintaras Šumskas, “Lietuvos visuomenės paveikumas dezinformacijai: naratyvų analizė” [Resilience of Lithuanian society on disinformation: analysis of narratives], Vilnius Institute for Policy Analysis, 2021, https://vilniusinstitute.lt/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Lietuvos-visuome…
- 12Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Lithuania, “Žiniasklaidos priemonių naudojimo raštingumo lygio pokyčio tyrimas” [A study of changes in media literacy levels], Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Lithuania, August 2021, https://lrkm.lrv.lt/uploads/lrkm/documents/files/Tyrimo%20ataskaita%20(…; delfi.lt, “Apklausa: informacija apie COVID-19 domina dukart mažiau gyventojų nei pernai” [Survey: last year, information on COVID-19 interested twice as many people as this year], delfi.lt, 14 May 2021, https://www.delfi.lt/m360/naujausi-straipsniai/apklausa-informacija-api…
- 13BNS, “Pasitikėjimas žiniasklaida – žemiausias per 23 metus” [Confidence in the media is lowest in 23 years], delfi.lt, 14 August 2021, https://www.delfi.lt/news/daily/lithuania/pasitikejimas-ziniasklaida-ze…
- 14delfi.lt, “Interneto žiniasklaidos asociacijos pirmininkas: mitingo metu buvo varžoma žiniasklaidos laisvė” [Chairman of the Internet Media Association: Media freedom was curtailed during the rally], delfi.lt, 12 August 2021, https://www.delfi.lt/m360/naujausi-straipsniai/interneto-ziniasklaidos-…; The Lithuanian Union of Journalists, “Bendras Lietuvos žiniasklaidos pareiškimas: Smurtas prieš žurnalistus – siekis užkirsti visuomenei kelią į objektyvią ir nešališką informaciją” [Joint statement of the Lithuanian media: Violence against journalists is the aspiration to prevent the public from providing objective and impartial information], The Lithuanian Union of Journalists, 11 August 2021, http://www.lzs.lt/lt/naujienos/aktuali_informacija/archive/smurtas_prie…
- 15Jūratė Skėrytė, “Liberalų seniūnas siūlo numatyti baudą už trukdymą žurnalistams rinkti informaciją” [Elder of the Liberals is proposing a fine for obstructing journalists information gathering], 15min.lt, 23 August 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/liberalu-seniunas-siulo-n…; LRT.lt, BNS “Saugoti žurnalistus nuo persekiojimo siūloma įvertinant ieškinio pagrįstumą prieš juos” [It is proposed to protect journalists from harassment by assessing the validity of the claim against them], lrt.lt, 28 September 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/saugoti-zurnalistus-nuo-p…
- 16Vilniaus politikos analizės institutas, “Regioninės žiniasklaidos atskaitingumo problemos: įtakos, grėsmės, auditorijos pasitikėjimas” [Problems of regional media accountability: influences, threats, audience trust], Vilnius Institute for Policy Analysis, 2020, https://vilniusinstitute.lt/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/VIPA_RegMediaStu…. In addition see: Transparency International Lithuanian Chapter, “Pernai 43 politikai, valstybės tarnautojai ir jų sutuoktiniai valdė 83 žiniasklaidos priemones” [43 politicians, civil servants and their spouses controlled 83 media outlets last year], Transparency International Lithuanian Chapter, 14 April 2021, https://www.transparency.lt/pernai-43-politikai-valstybes-tarnautojai-i…. Analysis of two cases of media controlled by politicians: Ainė Ramonaitė, Adelė Vaiginytė, “Tendencingumo paieškos politikų valdomoje žiniasklaidoje: Lietuvos regioninės spaudos analizė taikant kompiuterinės turinio analizės metodus” [Exploring Political Bias in Captured Media: The Study of Local Press in Lithuania Using Computational Content Analysis Methods], Politologija, Vol. 100 No 4, 2020, https://www.zurnalai.vu.lt/politologija/article/view/19192
Considers the decentralization of power; the responsibilities, election, and capacity of local governmental bodies; and the transparency and accountability of local authorities. | 5.756 7.007 |
- The year began with high expectations for strengthening Lithuania’s local self-governance.1 This was one of the priorities set forth by the new government,2 inscribed in a new cooperation agreement with the country’s Association of Local Authorities (LSA).3 The same aim was also reflected in the renewal of the bilateral commission in March4 and creation of the governmental Coordinating Commission for Sustainable Development in May.5 OECD recommendations for improving municipal funding and financing of public investments, presented in February, provided additional impetus for change,6 and local government representatives advocated vigorously for increasing their financial independence during the year.7 Although some suggestions (like the autonomous setting of certain taxes or public land management reform) received support from top leaders,8 the central government reacted reluctantly to other proposals (such as looser municipal borrowing).9 In September, the LSA head expressed disappointment that no significant changes had taken place during the year following the signing of the cooperation agreement on strengthening the independence and responsibility of Lithuanian self-government.10
- In 2021, local governments were actively involved in managing both the pandemic and migration crises. For example, municipalities were entrusted with coronavirus testing and vaccination processes, as well as provided accommodations and other services to migrants. The government named municipalities as partners in this crisis management, but municipalities often expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s poor communication, insufficient coordination,11 and a lack of timely information.12 In the spring, the LSA clashed with the Health Ministry over the return of students to classes after the quarantine.13 And in some cases during the summer, when dealing with the migration crisis, the central government’s decisions were uncoordinated with local governments and taken unilaterally,14 and there were failures in communication.15 To this were added municipalities’ concerns over whether costs incurred as a result of both crises would be reimbursed.16 Other actors, like the president or opposition parties, took sides on these matters as an extension of their individual relationships with the governing majority, thus adding to the country’s tensions.17
- The involvement of Lithuanians in local governance is typically low.18 However, the practice of participatory budgeting, which has become popular in recent years, seems to be contributing to a change in this trend. An analysis conducted in the fall showed that, despite obstacles posed by the pandemic, a third of municipalities (22 out of 60) offered to some extent the possibility of participatory budgeting for residents in 2021. This number was three times greater than in 2020. Another 13 municipalities planned to implement participatory budgeting in the near future.19
- 1More on the starting situation of local self-government see „Nations in Transit 2021: Lithuania“, Freedom House, 2021, https://freedomhouse.org/country/lithuania/nations-transit/2021
- 2Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania, “Aštuonioliktosios Lietuvos Respublikos vyriausybės programa” [Program of the Government of the Eighteenth Republic of Lithuania], chapter VIII, Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania, 11 December 2020, register of legal acts, https://e-seimas.lrs.lt/portal/legalAct/lt/TAD/973c87403bc311eb8c97e01f…
- 3The Office of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania, “Vyriausybė ir Lietuvos savivaldybių asociacija pasirašė bendradarbiavimo susitarimą” [The Government and the Association of Local Authorities in Lithuania signed a cooperation agreement], The Office of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania, 22 March 2021, https://lrv.lt/lt/naujienos/vyriausybe-ir-lietuvos-savivaldybiu-asociac…
- 4Ibid.
- 5The Office of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania, “Vyriausybė koordinuos darnią šalies regionų raidą” [The government will coordinate the sustainable development of the country's regions], The Office of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania, 5 May 2021, https://lrv.lt/lt/naujienos/vyriausybe-koordinuos-darnia-salies-regionu…
- 6OECD, “Raising Local Public Investment in Lithuania: Ensuring quality while maintaining financial sustainability”, OECD, 2021, https://ppplietuva.lt/uploads/documents/files/EBPO%20studija%20ENG.pdf
- 7For example, Erika Alonderytė, „M.Sinkevičius ragina savivaldybėms leisti daugiau skolintis“ [M.Sinkevičius calls for permission to municipalities to borrow more], 15min.lt, 19 May 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/m-sinkevicius-ragina-savi…
- 8BNS, “Prezidentas: Lietuva stipri tiek, kiek stiprūs visi jos regionai” [President: Lithuania is as strong as strong are all its regions], kaunodiena.lt, 7 September 2021, https://kauno.diena.lt/naujienos/lietuva/politika/prezidentas-lietuva-s…; BNS, “Mindaugas Sinkevičius: sprendimai dėl savivaldos finansų stiprinimo – birželį” [Mindaugas Sinkevičius: decisions on municipal financial strengthening - in June], lrt.lt, 24 March 2021, https://www.lrt.lt/naujienos/lietuvoje/2/1372089/mindaugas-sinkevicius-…; BNS, “Siūlomi pakeitimai didinti savivaldos finansinį lankstumą” [Changes are proposed to increase the financial flexibility of the municipality], delfi.lt, 18 August 2021, https://www.delfi.lt/verslas/verslas/siulomi-pakeitimai-didinti-savival…; BNS, “Vyriausybė ir savivaldybės aptars EBPO siūlymus dėl savivaldos funkcijų” [The Government and municipalities will discuss OECD proposals on the functions of self-government], 15min.lt, 24 March 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/vyriausybe-ir-savivaldybe…; Association of Local Authorities in Lithuania, “Naujo finansinio instrumento savivaldybėms kūrimui pritaria ir VRM” [The Ministry of the Interior also supports the development of a new financial instrument for municipalities], Association of Local Authorities in Lithuania, 19 February 2021, https://www.lsa.lt/naujienos/2021/02/19/valdyba_vrm/
- 9BNS, “Ingrida Šimonytė: kitų metų biudžetas rodo, kad dėl COVID-19 verslui ribojimų nebebus” [Ingrida Šimonytė: next year's budget shows that there will no longer be restrictions on business due to COVID-19], 15 min.lt, 19 October 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/ingrida-simonyte-kitu-met…; Association of Local Authorities in Lithuania, “Finansų ministerijos kritika EBPO – požiūrio į Lietuvos savivaldą atspindys” [The Ministry’s of Finance criticism of the OECD is a reflection of the attitude towards Lithuanian self-government], Association of Local Authorities in Lithuania, 26 February 2021, https://www.lsa.lt/naujienos/2021/02/26/ebpo/; BNS, “M. Sinkevičius: Finansų ministerija neišgirdo savivaldos prašymų dėl 2022 metų biudžeto” [M. Sinkevičius: The Ministry of Finance did not heard requests from the local governance for the 2022 budget], kauno.diena.lt, https://kauno.diena.lt/naujienos/verslas/ekonomika/m-sinkevicius-finans…
- 10BNS, “Savivalda pasigenda esminių pokyčių stiprinant jų finansinį savarankiškumą” [Municipalities missed fundamental changes in strengthening their financial independence], 15min.lt, 7 September 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/savivalda-pasigenda-esmin…; Association of Local Authorities in Lithuania, “Dvišalėje komisijoje – jokių esminių sprendimų stiprinti investicinį savivaldybių pajėgumą” [In the bilateral commission, there are no significant decisions to strengthen the investment capacity of municipalities], Association of Local Authorities in Lithuania, 5 July 2021, https://www.lsa.lt/naujienos/2021/07/05/dvisale_komisija_2/
- 11For example, municipalities of biggest cities (Vilnius, Kaunas, Klaipėda) purchased vaccination registration systems themselves without further waiting for a promised common one and the problem of coordination between the different government levels even led to the idea of setting up a joint crisis management center. Jurgita Andriejauskaitė, “Klaipėda ministerijos pažadų nebenori: perka vakcinavimo registracijos sistemą” [Klaipeda no longer wants the promises of the ministry: buys the vaccination registration system], 15 min.lt, 14 April 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/klaipeda-perka-vakcinavim…; BNS, “D.Kuliešius: krizių valdymo koncepcija turėtų būti parengta iki trečiojo ketvirčio” [D.Kuliešius: the concept of crisis management should be in place by the third quarter], 15min.lt, 15 March 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/d-kuliesius-kriziu-valdym…
- 12Association of Local Authorities in Lithuania, “Savivaldybės: norime būti pasirengusios įvairiems scenarijams” [Municipalities: we want to be prepared for different scenarios], Association of Local Authorities in Lithuania, 4 August 2021, https://www.lsa.lt/naujienos/2021/08/04/migrantai2/
- 13Milena Andrukaitytė, BNS, “Premjerė: Vyriausybė ketina savivaldybėms leisti pačioms spręsti dėl 5–11 klasių grąžinimo” [Prime Minister: The Government intends to allow municipalities to decide for themselves on the return of grades 5-11], 15min.lt, 26 April 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/premjere-vyriausybe-ketin…; Ramūnas Jakubauskas, Austėja Masiokaitė-Liubinienė, “J.Šiugždinienė sako esanti nusivylusi savivaldybėmis dėl mokinių grąžinimo į klases” [J.Šiugždinienė says that she is disappointed in the municipalities because of returning students to classes], 15min.lt, 1 June 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/j-siugzdiniene-sako-esant…; Association of Local Authorities in Lithuania, “Savivaldybės: moksleivių grąžinimui į mokyklas nebuvo tinkamai pasirengta” [Municipalities: There were no adequate preparations for the return of pupils to schools], Association of Local Authorities in Lithuania, 1 June 2021, https://www.lsa.lt/naujienos/2021/06/01/moksleiviai/
- 14Saulius Jakučionis, BNS, “Vilkaviškio meras: A.Bilotaitė neužsiminė, kad sprendimai dėl Kybartų – priimti” [Mayor of Vilkaviškis: A.Bilotaitė did not mention that decisions regarding Kybartai have been made], 15min.lt, 2 September 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/ministerijos-patvirtino-m…
- 15Violeta Grigaliūnaitė, Aurelija Jašinskienė, “Dėl Vilniui tekusių vakcinų nuo COVID-19 pasijuto antrarūšiais, sostinė atkerta – gesiname gaisrą ten, kur labiausiai dega” [Due to COVID-19 vaccines which Vilnius received, felt second-class, the capital is cutting back - we are fighting the fire where it burns now], 15min.lt, 26 April 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/del-vilniui-atitekusiu-va…; Indrė Jurčenkaitė, “R.Šimašius apie sprendimą perskirstyti vakcinas: premjerė ir sveikatos ministras „buvo pakišti“” [R. Šimašius on the decision to redistribute vaccines: the Prime Minister and the Minister of Health "have been tripped"], 15min.lt, 27 April 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/r-simasius-apie-sprendima…; Lauryna Vireliūnaitė, “Ž.Pinskuvienė – pikta: vakcinacija pagal gyvą eilę Širvintose atšaukiama – dabar 350 „AstraZeneca“ dozių laikysime šaldytuve” [Ž.Pinskuvienė is angry: live queue vaccination is canceled in Širvintos - now we will keep 350 doses of AstraZeneca in the refrigerator], 15min.lt, 25 March 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/z-pinskuviene-pikta-planu…
- 16Association of Local Authorities in Lithuania, “Savivaldybės: norime būti pasirengusios įvairiems scenarijams” [Municipalities: we want to be prepared for different scenarios], Association of Local Authorities in Lithuania, 4 August 2021, https://www.lsa.lt/naujienos/2021/08/04/migrantai2/; Association of Local Authorities in Lithuania, “Optimistinę savivaldybių pajamų augimo prognozę savivaldybės ragina paremti konkrečiais veiksmais” [Municipalities call for concrete action to support the optimistic forecast of municipal revenue growth], Association of Local Authorities in Lithuania, 28 April 2021, https://www.lsa.lt/naujienos/2021/10/28/biudzetas-2/
- 17The contribution of municipalities (as opposed to the central government) was appreciated by the President, and opposition both criticized the central government for transferring responsibility to the municipalities, and promoted municipalities’ financial interests (position named it as hypocrisy in some cases). President of the Republic of Lithuania, “Lietuvos Respublikos Prezidento Gitano Nausėdos metinis pranešimas” [Annual report of the President of the Republic of Lithuania Gitanas Nausėda], Office of the President of the Republic of Lithuania, 8 June 2021, https://www.lrp.lt/lt/lietuvos-respublikos-prezidento-gitano-nausedos-m…; 15min, “Socdemai apie migrantų krizę: matome mėginimus permesti atsakomybę savivaldai” [Socdems about the migrant crisis: we are seeing attempts to shift responsibility to self-government], 15min.lt, 12 July 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/socialdemokratai-apie-mig…; Roberta Tracevičiūtė, Beatričė Bankauskaitė, “Socdemai kreipiasi į I.Šimonytę: visuotinis karantinas išsisėmė, savivaldybės pačios turi spręsti dėl konkrečių ribojimų” [Socdems turn to I. Šimonytė: universal quarantine has run out, municipalities have to decide on specific restrictions], 15min.lt, 19 February 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/socdemai-kreipiasi-i-i-si…; 15min.lt, “Ramūnas Karbauskis: „Ši valdžia optimizmo neteikia – sužlugdys ir regionus“” [Ramūnas Karbauskis: "This government does not give optimism - it will destroy the regions"], 15min.lt, 22 September 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/ramunas-karbauskis-si-val…; Sniegė Balčiūnaitė, BNS, “Majauskas: „valstiečių“ siūlymas kompensuoti daugiau GPM savivaldai yra „nenuoširdus“” [Majauskas: "Peasants" offer to compensate more GPM for self-government is "insincere"], lrt.lt, 8 Marh 2021, https://www.lrt.lt/naujienos/verslas/4/1360222/majauskas-valstieciu-siu…
- 18For example, Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Lithuania, „2018 metų veiklos ataskaita“ [Activity report for 2018], Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Lithuania, 6 March 2019, https://vrm.lrv.lt/uploads/vrm/documents/files/LT_versija/Veiklos%20ata…
- 19Transparency International Lithaunian Chapter, “Dalyvaujamasis biudžetas Lietuvos savivaldybėse” [Participatory budgeting in Lithuanian municipalities], Transparency International Lithaunian Chapter, October 2021, https://www.transparency.lt/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Dalyvaujamasis-b…
Assesses constitutional and human rights protections, judicial independence, the status of ethnic minority rights, guarantees of equality before the law, treatment of suspects and prisoners, and compliance with judicial decisions. | 5.756 7.007 |
- Lithuania’s judiciary remained highly regarded in the EU context in 2021 due to its effectiveness, speed, and digitalization,1 and further improvements were scheduled.2 At the same time, the problems of relatively low funding3 and public distrust persisted. At year’s end, just 23 percent of the population trusted courts as compared to 31 percent who distrusted the judiciary.4 The chairwoman of the Judicial Council noticed, however, that this is more of an image problem since the trust of those who actually encountered the justice system increased to 70 percent.5
- Perceived judicial independence in Lithuania corresponded to the EU average.6 To strengthen this perception, the Judicial Council proposed to link judicial funding to economic indicators and thereby decouple it from the will of parliamentarians, but this proposal was not approved by the government.7 Over the course of the year, both judges and politicians raised the issue of low judicial salaries as well as the loss of judicial prestige, particularly when discussing vacancies in the country’s three highest courts (especially their chairs).8 Notably, it took until June (an unprecedented 15 months) to finally appoint all judges and the president of the Constitutional Court (KT).9 The Supreme Court (LAT) nevertheless remained with an interim chair since September 2019.10 After public consultations, President Nausėda proposed legislative amendments seeking to increase the efficiency, openness, and transparency of the judiciary.11
- Protection of human rights for migrants brought challenges in 2021. Given the extraordinary situation at the Belarus border and unprecedented influx of migrants (more than 4,000 entered the country in the summer months as compared to a total of 81 in 2020 and 46 in 201912 ), state institutions faced the difficult task of organizing accommodations, food, clothing, legal information, medical assistance, and other necessities. The first attempts were sharply criticized, most notably by the Seimas Ombudsman, who declared some cases equivalent to inhuman or degrading treatment prohibited by the 1985 U.N. Convention against Torture.13 Ministries, parliamentarians, and even the Red Cross strongly reacted to this report, yet pointed to the efforts made and conditions improving already by the fall.14
- Controversial pushback tactics against migrants were introduced in August,15 and during an extraordinary session of the parliament in July, legislative amendments were adopted that limited the processing of asylum applications and restricted some rights of migrants, such as free movement or right to appeal during a state of emergency.16 17 These decisions raised concerns both nationally and internationally over Lithuania’s protection of human rights,18 but despite efforts made to find alternatives,19 the statutes remained in force. Furthermore, in December, the term of detainment was extended to one year,20 and there were rising frictions between volunteers and border guards.21
- Pandemic restrictions on some citizens’ rights were also questioned in the national discourse during the year, such as the highly resonant speech by Ignas Vėgėlė, Chair of the Lithuanian Bar Association, in August.22 In October, opposition parties asked the KT to evaluate the introduction of the “Opportunity Passport” (a Lithuanian COVID-19 immunity certificate).23
- Lithuania’s prison population continued to decrease in 2021, and the nation dropped from the EU’s top position for highest prison population.24 Further, the Justice Ministry initiated penitentiary reform, which is expected to result in the release of more convicts on parole and a reduction in the number of repeat offenders.25 Meanwhile, police welcomed the first results of the centralization reform, which clarified the functions and responsibilities of structural units, balanced workloads, and reduced administrative burdens.26
- In June, the Seimas finally began to implement the ECtHR decision of 2011 and started the constitutional amendment process that will allow persons removed from office through impeachment to hold any future office that requires a constitutional oath.27
- 1European Union, “The 2021 EU Justice Scoreboard”, Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union, 2021, https://ec.europa.eu/info/sites/default/files/eu_justice_scoreboard_202…; “Lietuvos Teismai: veiklos rezultatai 2020 m.” [Lithuanian Courts: performance results in 2020], Lithuanian National Courts Administration, 2021, https://www.teismai.lt/data/public/uploads/2021/03/teismai2021-g.pdf
- 2“Kaip didinamas teismų veiklos efektyvumas?” [How the efficiency of the judiciary is now being increased?], 15min.lt, 14 October 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/kaip-didinamas-teismu-vei…
- 3Second-lowest in Europe, see: European Union, “The 2021 EU Justice Scoreboard”, Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union, 2021, https://ec.europa.eu/info/sites/default/files/eu_justice_scoreboard_202…
- 4Vilmorus, “Pasitikėjimas institucijomis” [Trust in institutions], Vilmorus, 10-18 December 2021, http://www.vilmorus.lt/index.php?mact=News,cntnt01,detail,0&cntnt01arti…
- 5Lithuanian National Courts Administration, “Pandemija nesustabdė teismų: daugėja elektroninių bylų ir nuotolinių posėdžių, o sprendimų kokybė – stabili” [The pandemic did not stop the courts: the number of electronic cases and distance hearings is increasing and the quality of decisions is stable], Lithuanian National Courts Administration, 30 March 2021, https://www.teismai.lt/lt/pandemija-nesustabde-teismu-daugeja-elektroni…
- 6European Commission, Ipsos European Public Affairs, “Flash Eurobarometer 489: Perceived independence of the national justice systems in the EU among the general public”, European Union, July 2021, https://europa.eu/eurobarometer/api/deliverable/download/file?deliverab…
- 7Milena Andrukaitytė, BNS, “Rudėnaitė: teismų finansavimas turėtų būti siejamas su ekonominiais rodikliais” [Rudėnaitė: court financing should be linked to economic indicators], lrt.lt, 29 March 2021, https://www.lrt.lt/naujienos/lietuvoje/2/1375578/rudenaite-teismu-finan…; Milena Andrukaitytė, BNS, “Teisėjai siūlo keisti teismų finansavimo tvarką, ieškos pavyzdžių užsienyje” [Judges are proposing changes to court funding, looking for examples abroad], 15min.lt, 6 April 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/teisejai-siulo-keisti-tei…
- 8Gytis Pankūnas, LRT.lt, “„Tokia situacija nenormali“: trims svarbiausiems teismams nerandant vadovų, padėtimi susidomėjo ir EK” ["This situation is abnormal": in the absence of leaders in the three main courts, the EC also became interested in the situation], lrt.lt, 14 May 2021, https://www.lrt.lt/naujienos/lietuvoje/2/1408223/tokia-situacija-nenorm…
- 9Stasys Gudavičius, “Danutė Jočienė patvirtinta Konstitucinio Teismo pirmininke” [Danutė Jočienė was confirmed as the Chairman of the Constitutional Court], vz.lt, 17 June 2021, https://www.vz.lt/verslo-aplinka/2021/06/17/danute-jociene-patvirtinta-…
- 10More on the appointment issues see: Gytis Pankūnas, LRT.lt, “„Tokia situacija nenormali“: trims svarbiausiems teismams nerandant vadovų, padėtimi susidomėjo ir EK” ["This situation is abnormal": in the absence of leaders in the three main courts, the EC also became interested in the situation], lrt.lt, 14 May 2021, https://www.lrt.lt/naujienos/lietuvoje/2/1408223/tokia-situacija-nenorm…; Paulina Levickytė, ELTA “Profesorius apie užtrukusias LAT pirmininko paieškas: prezidentui naujo reguliavimo reikia paisyti” [Professor about the protracted search for the Chairman of LAT: the President needs to respect the new regulation], delfi.lt, 10 June 2021, https://www.delfi.lt/news/daily/lithuania/profesorius-apie-uztrukusias-…
- 11Jūratė Skėrytė, BNS, “Parlamentarai pradėjo svarstyti prezidento inicijuotą teismų veiklos pertvarką” [Parliamentarians begun to consider a judicial reform, initiated by the President], lrt.lt, 17 June 2021, https://www.lrt.lt/naujienos/lietuvoje/2/1434554/parlamentarai-pradejo-…; BNS, “G.Nausėda siūlo sujungti administracinius teismus, rengti nuolatines atrankas į teisėjus” [G.Nausėda proposes to merge administrative courts, to organize regular selections to judges], 15min.lt, 4 June 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/g-nauseda-siulo-sujungti-…
- 12More than 4200 throughout the 2021 in total. The Office of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania, “Dėl didėjančių migrantų srautų iš Baltarusijos paskelbta ekstremalioji situacija” [Due to increasing flows of migrants from Belarus, disaster management regime was declared], The Office of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania, 2 July 2021, https://lrv.lt/lt/naujienos/del-didejanciu-migrantu-srautu-is-baltarusi…; BNS, “Apgręžta dešimt neteisėtų migrantų” [Ten illegal migrants were turned around], vz.lt, 2 September 2021, https://www.vz.lt/2021/09/02/apgrezta-desimt-neteisetu-migrantu; BNS, “Pasienyje su Baltarusija per parą apgręžta 18 migrantų” [18 migrants were turned around at the border with Belarus yesterday], vz.lt, 30 December 2021, https://www.vz.lt/verslo-aplinka/2021/12/30/pasienyje-su-baltarusija-pe…
- 13Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. Seimas Ombudsmen’s office of the Republic of Lithuania, “Report on ensuring human rights and freedoms in places of temporary accommodation of foreigners having crossed the border of the Republic of Lithuania with the Republic of Belarus”, The Seimas Ombudsmen's Office of the Republic of Lithuania, 7 October 2021, https://www.lrski.lt/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/E5339-Ataskaita_Migrant…
- 1415min, “VRM: migrantų apgyvendinimo sąlygos pasikeitė iš esmės” [VRM: Housing conditions for migrants have changed significantly], 15min.lt, 19 October 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/vrm-migrantu-apgyvendinim…; Žinių radijas, “Šokiruojanti ataskaita supykdė L. Kasčiūną: pasieniečiai savo vaikų batus atidavė migrantams” [A shocking report angered L. Kasčiūnas: border guards gave their children's shoes to migrants], lrytas.lt, 9 October 2021, https://www.lrytas.lt/lietuvosdiena/aktualijos/2021/10/09/news/sokiruoj…; Augustas Stankevičius, BNS, “Raudonasis Kryžius: migrantų padėtis dabar yra kitokia, nei teigia kontrolierius” [Red Cross: The situation of migrants is now different than the Ombudsman says], 15min.lt, 8 October 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/raudonasis-kryzius-kontro…
- 15Mass repulsion of migrants on the border section, leaving the possibility to apply for asylum at border crossing points and embassies. At the end of the year, more than 8 thousands of migrants were counted as turned round. Simona Voveriūnaitė, BNS, delfi.lt, “VSAT: prie Lietuvos sienos iš Baltarusijos vėl vežami migrantai” [VSAT: migrants are again being transported from Belarus to the Lithuanian border], delfi.lt, 22 November 2021, https://www.delfi.lt/news/daily/lithuania/vsat-prie-lietuvos-sienos-is-…; LRT.lt, “VSAT vėl nefiksavo užsieniečių bandymų neteisėtai patekti į Lietuvą iš Baltarusijos” [The State Border Guard Service again did not record any attempts by foreigners to enter Lithuania illegally from Belarus], lrt.lt, 31 December 2021, https://www.lrt.lt/naujienos/lietuvoje/2/1575735/vsat-vel-nefiksavo-uzs…
- 16Also - state of war or disaster management.
- 17BNS, “Lithuania adopts law restricting rights of irregular migrants”, lrt.lt, 13 July 2021, https://www.lrt.lt/en/news-in-english/19/1450182/lithuania-adopts-law-r…; 15min, “G.Nausėda pritarė Užsieniečių teisinės padėties įstatymo pakeitimams, bet bedė į trūkumus” [G. Nausėda supported the amendments to the Law on the Legal Status of Aliens, but pointed out shortcomings], 15min.lt, 21 July 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/g-nauseda-pritare-uzsieni…
- 18For example, Ms Dunja Mijatović, Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, letter to Ms Ingrida ŠIMONYTĖ, Prime Minister of Lithuania, 10 August 2021. Source: Council of Europe, https://rm.coe.int/letter-to-ms-ingrida-simonyte-prime-minister-of-lith…; Ms Ingrida ŠIMONYTĖ, Prime Minister of Lithuania, letter to Ms Dunja Mijatović, Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, 23 August 2021. Source: Council of Europe, https://rm.coe.int/reply-of-the-prime-minister-of-the-republic-of-lithu…; Eglė Zicari, “Lietuvos elgesiui su migrantais – tarptautinė kritika: kada saugumo interesai nusveria žmogaus teises” [Lithuania's treatment of migrants is internationally criticized: when security interests outweigh human rights], 15min.lt, 28 August 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/elgesys-su-migrantais-kad…; Saulius Jakučionis, Paulius Viluckas, BNS, “U.von der Leyen: tikrieji pabėgėliai visada ras prieglobstį Europos Sąjungoje” [U.von der Leyen: real refugees will always find a shelter in the European Union], 15min.lt, 11 August 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/u-von-der-leyen-tikrieji-…
- 19Šarūnas Nekrošius, LRT.lt, “Bilotaitė apie naujas pataisas dėl migrantų: svarbūs du aspektai – žmogaus teisės ir nesukurti to, kad Lietuva taptų pereinamuoju kiemu” [Bilotaitė on new amendments on migrants: two aspects are important - human rights and not to make Lithuania a transitional yard], lrt.lt, 13 October 2021, https://www.lrt.lt/naujienos/lietuvoje/2/1519304/bilotaite-apie-naujas-…
- 20Reuters, “Lithuania extends migrant detention limit to a year”, reuters.com, 23 December 2021, https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/lithuania-extends-migrant-detentio…
- 21Ewelina Mokrzecka, Daumantas Butkus, LRT RADIJAS, LRT.lt, “‘Wolves will not be starving this winter.’ Volunteers struggle to help freezing migrants at Lithuanian border”, lrt.lt, 30 December 2021, https://www.lrt.lt/en/news-in-english/19/1572264/wolves-will-not-be-sta…; Margiris Meilutis, “VSAT pradėjo ikiteisminį tyrimą: įtaria nepranešus ir slėpus informaciją apie migrantus” [The State Border Guard Service launched a pre-trial investigation: it suspects undeclared and concealed information about migrants], 15min.lt, 30 December 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/vsat-pradejo-ikiteismini-…
- 22Indrė Jurčenkaitė, “I.Vėgėlės kalba: vieni įžvelgia politikavimą, kiti – bandymus užčiaupti” [Speech of I.Vėgėlė's: some see politicization, others - attempts to shut up], 15min.lt, 23 August 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/ministrai-apie-i-vegeles-…; A. Šindeikis, “Nuomonė apie su pandemijos valdymu susijusias mintis, išsakytas Lietuvos advokatūros suvažiavimo proga” [Opinion on the thoughts related to the management of the pandemic, expressed on the occasion of the Congress of the Lithuanian Bar Association], teise.pro, 21 August 2021, https://www.teise.pro/index.php/2021/08/21/a-sindeikis-nuomone-apie-su-…; 15min, “Po skandalingos advokato kalbos – G.Bartkaus kritika: tai asmeninė nuomonė, išsakyta ne laiku” [After the scandalous speech of the lawyer - G.Bartkus' criticism: it is an untimely expressed personal opinion], 15min, 22 August 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/po-skandalingos-advokato-…
- 23BNS, “Grupė parlamentarų kreipėsi į Konstitucinį Teismą dėl galimybių paso” [A group of parliamentarians appealed to the Constitutional Court for an Opportunity Passport], delfi.lt, 20 October 2021, https://www.delfi.lt/news/daily/lithuania/grupe-parlamentaru-kreipesi-i…
- 24World Prison Brief data, “Lithuania”, 31 July 2021, https://www.prisonstudies.org/country/lithuania; World Prison Brief data, “Highest to Lowest - Prison Population Rate”, https://www.prisonstudies.org/highest-to-lowest/prison_population_rate?…
- 25Milena Andrukaitytė, BNS, “Ministerija keis bausmių sistemą: tikisi sumažinti nusikalstančiųjų pakartotinai skaičių” [The ministry will change the system of penalties: it hopes to reduce the number of repeat offenders], lrt.lt, 9 August 2021, https://www.lrt.lt/naujienos/lietuvoje/2/1465432/ministerija-keis-bausm…
- 26Police Department, “Baigtas pirmasis policijos pertvarkų etapas, vyksta pasiruošimas tolimesniems pokyčiams” [The first phase of police reform is completed, preparations are under way for further changes], Police Department, 12 October 2021, https://policija.lrv.lt/lt/naujienos/baigtas-pirmasis-policijos-pertvar…
- 27Milena Andrukaitytė, BNS, “Seimas vėl ėmėsi keisti Konstituciją dėl per apkaltą pašalintų asmenų: vėl pareigias eiti galėtų po 10 metų” [Seimas again started to amend the Constitution regarding persons expelled through impeachment: they could take office again after 10 years], lrt.lt, 10 June 2021, https://www.lrt.lt/naujienos/lietuvoje/2/1429442/seimas-vel-emesi-keist…
Looks at public perceptions of corruption, the business interests of top policymakers, laws on financial disclosure and conflict of interest, and the efficacy of anticorruption initiatives. | 4.505 7.007 |
- Survey data early in 2021 showed a continuing decrease in the public’s bribe-giving experience, which shrunk to 9 percent. However, the number of respondents viewing a bribe as an effective way to solve problems increased to 71 percent (up from 61 percent in the previous year). Also unsettling was the observation that although citizens knew where to report corruption (increasing to 50 percent in 2021), a more stagnant percentage (only about 19 percent) indicated that they would actually do so. As a possible outcome of the pandemic, experts noted the significant level of perceived corruption in public procurements, which increased among business persons (rising by 20 percent in some cases).1 Thus, the problem of corruption remains important.
- In March, reflecting a common attitude, PM Šimonytė criticized anticorruption measures taken by governing institutions as being too formal, fragmented, and without effective coordination or real results.2 However, actions were taken to address this issue. In June, the Seimas adopted a new law on corruption prevention, initiated by the president, the Special Investigative Service (STT), and the parliamentary National Security and Defense Committee. This law enshrines the assessment of corruption risk management, evaluation of the level of resistance to corruption, and implementation of standards of conduct, among other actions.3 The STT head characterized the law as creating the conditions for real change,4 a view echoed by experts,5 although results are yet to come.
- Likewise, the previous year’s amendments to the law on lobbying were positively evaluated both nationally and internationally,6 and brought visible changes already in January when the number of officially registered lobbyists and influencers (including CSOs) increased sharply.7 Later in the year, Transparency International Lithuania found an increase in parliamentarians declaring their meetings with lobbyists and more publicly available agendas from municipal leaders, cautiously indicating a more transparent culture among decision-makers.8
- However, there were still new scandals of political corruption and old ones continued. In June, the STT announced a pretrial investigation into possible corruption in the gambling industry and nontransparent influence on legislation.9 Also in June, reversing an earlier court decision with a final and unappealable verdict, the Supreme Court acquitted former Order and Justice Party (TT) leader Rolandas Paksas and Lietuvos Rytas editor Gedvydas Vainauskas in the case of influence peddling.10 Court proceedings continued in the case of bribery and influence peddling involving the MG Baltic group, ongoing for over five years despite its priority status.11 Proceedings also continued in the 2019 “judges’ corruption case,” 12 and new investigations into lawyers’ influence peddling were launched.13 These prolonged proceedings and trials resulting in acquittals allowed the politicians involved to opine about “political executions”14 and further diminished public trust in politics (and the judiciary).
Author: Ieva Petronytė-Urbonavičienė, PhD, is an Assistant Professor and Researcher at the Institute of International Relations and Political Science, Vilnius University, and Director of Civil Society Institute, Lithuania.
- 1Special Investigation Service of the Republic of Lithuania, VILMORUS, “Lietuvos korupcijos žemėlapis 2020” [Map of Corruption in Lithuania 2020], Special Investigation Service of the Republic of Lithuania, November 2020 – January 2021, https://www.stt.lt/data/public/uploads/2021/03/lkz_ataskaita_2020.ppt; BNS, “TILS: stambiosios korupcijos ir politikos skaidrumo tema turi tapti esmine valdantiesiems” [TILS: The issue of large-scale corruption and transparency of politics must become central to those in power], 15min.lt, 25 February 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/tils-stambiosios-korupcij…
- 2BNS, “I.Šimonytė: būtina efektyviau koordinuoti antikorupcinę veiklą” [I.Šimonytė: it is necessary to coordinate anti-corruption activities more effectively], 15min.lt, 19 March 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/i-simonyte-butina-efektyv…
- 3Saulė Eglė Trembo, “Seimas pritarė Korupcijos prevencijos įstatymo projektui” [Seimas approved the draft Law on Prevention of Corruption], Office of the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania, 29 June 2021, https://www.lrs.lt/sip/portal.show?p_r=35403&p_k=1&p_t=277310. For more information see Special Investigation Service of the Republic of Lithaunia, “Law on the Prevention of Corruption, from 01-01-2022”, stt.lt, 27 September 2021, https://www.stt.lt/en/corruption-prevention/law-on-the-prevention-of-co….
- 4BNS, “Pakeitimai dėl korupcijos prevencijos: įstaigos bus vertinamos pagal atsparumą” [Changes to prevent corruption: Institutions will be judged on their resilience], lrt.lt, 4 July 2021, https://www.lrt.lt/naujienos/lietuvoje/2/1444872/pakeitimai-del-korupci…
- 5Transparency International Lithaunian Chapter, „Lithuania scores 1 point more, ranks 1 place higher in Corruption Perceptions Index 2021“, Transparency International Lithaunian Chapter, 25 January 2022, https://www.transparency.lt/en/lithuania-scores-1-point-more-ranks-1-pl….
- 6Chief Official Ethics Commission, “Dėl neigiamo požiūrio į lobizmą kaltas sovietmetis?” [The Soviet era is to blame for the negative attitude towards lobbying?], delfi.lt, 13 April 2021, https://www.delfi.lt/partnerio-turinys/verslo-poziuris/del-neigiamo-poz…; GRECO Secretariat, Council of Europe, “Fourth Evaluation Round: Corruption prevention in respect of members of parliament, judges and prosecutors. Addendum to the Second Compliance Report Lithuania”, Council of Europe, 22-25 March 2021, https://rm.coe.int/fourth-evaluation-round-corruption-prevention-in-res…
- 715 min, “Lietuvoje sparčiai daugėja lobistų ir įtakdarių teisėkūrai” [The number of lobbyists and influencers for legislation in Lithuania is growing rapidly], 15min.lt, 11 February 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/lietuvoje-sparciai-daugej…
- 8BNS, “TILS: dabartinio Seimo nariai aktyviau deklaruoja susitikimus su lobistais nei buvusio” [TILS: Members of the current Seimas are more active in declaring meetings with lobbyists than previous Seimas’ members], delfi.lt, 9 September 2021, https://www.delfi.lt/news/daily/lithuania/tils-dabartinio-seimo-nariai-…; BNS, “TILS: 80 proc. savivaldybių vadovų skelbė savo darbotvarkes, pirmą kartą – visi merai” [TILS: 80 percent of municipal leaders announced their agendas, for the first time - all mayors], 15min.lt, 18 May 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/tils-80-proc-savivaldybiu…
- 9Sniegė Balčiūnaitė, BNS, “Loterijų ir lošimų korupcijos byla mena 4 metų senumo ginčus Seime” [The lottery and gambling corruption case remembers a 4-year-old dispute in the Seimas], delfi.lt, 12 June 2021, https://www.delfi.lt/news/daily/lithuania/loteriju-ir-losimu-korupcijos…
- 10Margiris Meilutis, “Aukščiausiasis Teismas išteisino dėl korupcijos nuteistus R.Paksą ir G.Vainauską” [The Supreme Court acquitted R. Paksas and G. Vainauskas of corruption], 15min.lt, 3 June 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/auksciausiasis-teismas-isteisino-…
- 11Roberta Tracevičiūtė, “Penkeri politinės korupcijos bylos metai: užgesusi E.Masiulio žvaigždė, „tulpių pašto“ istorija ir smūgis partinei sistemai” [Five years of the political corruption case: the extinct star of E. Masiulis, the history of the "tulip mail" and the blow to the party system], 15min.lt, 10 May 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/penkeri-politines-korupci…; BNS, Ingrida Steniulienė, Saulius Jakučionis, “Skandalingoje korupcijos byloje R. Kurlianskiui ir E. Masiuliui nusimato kalėjimas ir solidžios baudos” [Kurlianskis and Masiulis face prison and severe fines in scandalous corruption case], Kas vyksta Kaune, 19 November 2021, https://kaunas.kasvyksta.lt/2021/11/19/112/skandalingoje-korupcijos-byl…
- 1215min, “Dėl korupcijos teisiamiems V.Bavėjanui ir V.Venslovui siūloma skirti 81 377 eurų baudų” [It is proposed to impose fines of EUR 81,377 on V.Bavėjanas and V.Venslovas], 15min.lt, 11 November 2021, https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/nusikaltimaiirnelaimes/del-korupc…
- 13Special investigation service of the republic of Lithuania, “Du advokatai ir šeši su jais susiję asmenys įtariami prekyba poveikiu” [Two lawyers and six people associated with them are suspected of influence peddling], Special investigation service of the republic of Lithuania, 8 October 2021, https://www.stt.lt/naujienos/7464/du-advokatai-ir-sesi-su-jais-susije-a…
- 14See footnotes/endnotes 193 and 194.


Country Facts
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Global Freedom Score
89 100 free