Seimas spring session: Bastys’ impeachment, LRT probe, public service reform – BNS Review

BNS Lithuania provides a list of the main accents of the upcoming spring session, including inquiries that are in progress and under initiation, personality matters and draft reforms.

Impeachments. On March 13, the Lithuanian parliament will vote on revocation of Bastys’ mandate for concealed ties with a former KGB employee. At the opposition’s initiative, the parliament will vote on the start of impeachment proceedings against Social Democratic Labour Group‘s MP Artūras Skardžius amid suspicions of protectionism of companies.

No-confidence. Signatures have been collected at the Lithuanian parliament to vote on sacking of academic ethics guard Vigilijus Sadauskas accused of anti-Semitism. The opposition has targeted the head of the Central Electoral Commission, Laura Matjošaitytė, however, the no-confidence procedure has not yet been officially launched.

Bills. The government is proposing the reform of the public service for the spring session, will discuss changes in higher education and secondary education, with plans to transfer to full-time payment for teachers and a class “basket”. Aid is projected to young families buying houses outside biggest cities, restructuring of the second-phase pension system and increase of wages of medical staff.

Inquiries. An ad hoc parliamentary commission will continue the inquiry of the finances of the national broadcaster LRT. The National Security and Defence Committee will proceed with the investigation of the possibly unlawful influence upon political processes. The opposition has initiated a probe of land ownership and acquisition processes in Lithuania.

Changes. The ruling bloc is searching for a new justice minister after resignation of Milda Vainiutė amid criticism of failing to manage the ministry. Former Kaunas mayor Andrius Kupčinskas is coming to replace conservative Tadas Langaitis to gave up his mandate, while Kęstutis Pūkas replaced by way of impeachment will be replaced by the Order and Justice party‘s Ona Valiukevičiūtė. The parliament and the president will also have to decide on the head of the Special Investigation Service after the term of incumbent director Saulius Urbanavičius expires later in March.