The Kremlin
Opinion

Lithuanian view: What to expect from Russia in 2017?

2017 could be the year of Russia’s return – the signs of this were discussed in a Tuesday afternoon discussion organised by the the Eastern Europe Studies Centre (RESC) and VU TSPMI. The political scientists discussed the topic of “What will decide Russian foreign policy in 2017?” It is likely that the government rotation of the West, the resolution of the stalled Syrian conflict and strategic changes to the Russian tone will open opportunities for de-escalation and Putin’s return as a figure that is repulsive for many, but at the same time – an inevitable partner in resolving questions in the international political arena. […]

Ramūnas Karbauskis
CORPORATE

Inconvenient questions for Karbauskis

Yet to have time to warm up in power, the actions and aims of “Peasant” leader Ramūnas Karbauskis leave some surprised, some resentful, while others – even doubtful whether they voted for the right saviours […]

Marine Le Pen
European Union

New nationalism and the Baltic States

Leading world’s news channels, newspapers and political commentators ring the alarm of the re-emergence of chauvinistic nationalist politics at the thresholds of Western democracies. After the rather unexpected results of the US presidential election and the Britain’s referendum, many hold their breath waiting for the voting results of other EU member states and anxiously wondering how far nationalist sentiments can spread though-out Europe like a black death. […]

Mažvydas Jastramskis
CORPORATE

Jastramskis on Conservatives – “I do not envy the party’s strategists”

During discussions of electoral results it was typically accepted that the results of some parties depend on voter turnout. The Homeland Union – Lithuanian Christian Democrats (TS-LKD) and Polish Electoral Action in Lithuania (LLRA) were typically identified as such parties; the lower the voter turnout, the better for the Conservatives and Poles. […]

500 Euros note
CORPORATE

Refugee in Rukla – how do seven people live off of 500 euro?

Abdulrahman Alfahed from Syria arrived with his family at the Rukla Refugee Centre a month and a half ago. The man is frustrated. So far the Migration Department has yet to interview him and the man has yet to receive a permit to live in Lithuania. Even if he did get it, Abdulrahman would not remain, stating that he could not survive here. […]

Trump and Mattis
Opinion

Two signals from Donald Trump to the Baltics that Russia won’t like

After Donald Trump was elected President of the United States there were numerous concerns that the new master of the White House will be inclined toward pro-Russian policy – financial links to Moscow and the Kremlin’s praise to the President Elect were concerning. However D. Trump’s statement and decisions show that Russia celebrated too early and could be greatly disappointed. […]

Saulius Skvernelis ir Ramūnas Karbauskis
CORPORATE

Will the “Peasants” keep their promises to voters?

According to the data of early surveys, Ramūnas KarbauskisPeasant and Greens Union’s popularity could have jumped up to 28% after the elections. Such a jump in ratings means significant expectations from the public toward the party. The party leaders promised faster increases in income, fighting emigration, moving ministries and many other potentially costly initiatives, but the economy could grow slower than expected next year. How will the “Peasants” manage to uphold their campaign promises and how strong will the fascination of society with the party prove to be? […]

Gabrielius Landsbergis ir Algirdas Butkevičius
CORPORATE

Social Democrats and Conservatives – a quest for identity

The two largest and up to then most significant parties in Lithuania, the Social Democrats and the Conservatives, not only did not win the elections, albeit losing very differently, but are also standing at a sort of crossroads. Plagued by internal dissent they are seeking their future, striving to free themselves of a crisis of identity and to define their values. Meanwhile political scientists believe that average voters care little who rules – the left or the right, what matters is who resolves their problems. […]