Butkevičius accuses former Lithuanian prime minister of impoverishing middle class

Lithuania’s Prime Minister Algirdas Butkevičius used the occasion of the launch of the government’s annual report to accuse former Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius, former leader and the head of the Christian Democrats – Homeland Union parliamentary group of impoverishing the middle class during his term.

Ahead of the upcoming elections, the current prime minister was critical of the austerity policies of Kubilius’ government which implemented the reforms during the financial crisis, with Butkevičius saying that his government’s performance had proved that not only austerity policies could be effective.

The prime minister also did not miss the opportunity to boast of the benefits of the euro – saying Lithuania’s credit rating had increased and that Lithuania’s citizens saved money with the reduction in interest rates.

“We have had a lot of investment. This reflects the success of economic development policy,” claimed Butkevičius.

Butkevičius also claimed there had been a rapid transformation in the Lithuania’s military with a doubling of national defence expenditure.

“Last year, defence spending increased by €150 million, and the same increase was seen in pensions and for minimum wage earners,” said Butkevičius.

15min.lt