PM, opposition leader meet at govt, discuss emigration

The meeting was not listed on the prime minister’s agenda. Landsbergis and the PM’s spokesman say that emigration was the main item on the agenda.

“First of all, the circus taking place at the Seimas (parliament) – various disputes on halting emigration and the criticism made by (LFGU leader) Ramūnas Karbauskis about the government’s idleness and exhaustion. We discussed the situation in the parliament, the upheaval and a few other issues,” Landsbergis told BNS in comment of the topics discussed.

The opposition politician said he had once again restated his position to support the government-initiated reforms of higher education and forestry companies.

Landsbergis also said he had once again made sure of the division between the Skvernelis-led government and Karbauskis.

“This must be clear to anyone observing what’s going on in public. I believe – and this is only my personal opinion – that the prime minister today does not enjoy broad support in the Seimas, which threatens the future reforms, if they come around,” said the conservatives’ leader.

Tomas Berzinskas, spokesman for Skvernelis, said that the prime minister’s conversation with Landsbergis was a continuation of the discussions that were started in the parliament on emigration. According to information available to Berzinskas, the prime minister did not ask for Landsbergis’ support on specific issues.

“I can only repeat that the prime minister has regular meetings with individual members of the coalition, as well as groups, opposition representatives, and the prime minister deems it natural,” said the prime minister.

Skvernelis and Karbauskis have lately split over the national agreement on emigration. The prime minister dismissed the agreement as unnecessary, while Karbauskis said it was crucial. In earlier months, they disagreed on merger of universities.