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In the Akmenė district, famous for one of the highest unemployment rates in the country, unemployment increased during the quarantine, but not dramatically. According to the mayor, he was also raised by compatriots who returned from abroad. When they returned to Lithuania, they rushed to register with the Employment Service.
He sees unemployment as an advantage
Almost 15 thousand. in a municipality with a population of approximately 15%. unemployment rate. However, Mayor V. Mitrofanov is not without optimism: nine major investment projects are being implemented in the district, and an industrial facility will open in July, where about 150 people will be employed in the first phase.
“Higher unemployment may just be a signal for big investors to come,” said the mayor.
Aurelija Jašinskienė / 15min.lt photo / The works are boiling in the Akmenė district municipality
“There were companies that said they would like a longer quarantine,” said the mayor. Some commercial companies reportedly reported even higher revenues than usual.
According to him, Akmenė residents used to shop in big cities, such as Šiauliai. Here they also bought household appliances and industrial products. Thus, the benefits of quarantine were felt in small stores that operate locally, which were able to reorient their activities and trade “through the box” or remotely.
“The men returned home, the handcuffs built to make repairs. This is how home goods stores flourished. You see, the works are happening in Akmenė, construction is ongoing. I believe that fears about the effects of the coronavirus have been exaggerated. In fact, it has affected this small company that has provided services such as hairdressing, oral hygiene or whatever. However, that time can be considered as an extended vacation, now is the time to make up for it, “said the interlocutor.
Photo by Aurelija Jašinskienė / 15min.lt/Naujoji Akmenė
According to the mayor, in April, the municipality of the Akmenė district had collected around 200 thousand. less than planned when approving the budget. District authorities have already applied for a soft loan.
“We borrow 2 million. If necessary at the end of the year to sustain the public sector. If not, these funds will be returned,” said V. Mitrofanov.
In an area with an annual budget of about 27 million. This year, projects worth 8 million euros will be executed. euros “I heard the fears of others in the district, but we were well prepared, we could get even more!” – the mayor of the Akmenė district was not without optimism.
Photo by Aurelija Jašinskienė / 15min.lt/Naujoji Akmenė
President: “The whole country has been beaten”
President G.Nausėda, who visited the district on Wednesday, noted that the entire country, not just individual municipalities, was affected by the pandemic’s restrictions.
“This situation is a great opportunity to show how solid we are and we have not forgotten regional policy,” said the president. According to him, local residents will receive support through additional lump sum benefits: it is planned to provide additional money for children in July, and a benefit of 200 euros will be lent to retirees.
Photo by Aurelija Jašinskienė / 15min.lt/Naujoji Akmenė
“These funds will help the population to resist,” said the head of the country. According to him, other countries have followed similar practices approving plans to stimulate the economy through lump sums for the population.
Akmenė became the fifth region for G.Nausėda’s team, where a work day trip is planned. The President has already worked in the Utena, Telšiai and Marijampolė regions, during the quarantine he participated in meetings with the representatives of the Klaipėda region remotely.
“I have led the municipality for eleven years and only now have we received a visit from the president. Such a practice is welcome,” said the mayor of the Akmenė district, smiling.
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