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The president of the association himself does not minimize the situation and says that he is ready for a “constructive discussion”, and describes the glove thrown by his colleagues as “fatigue caused by the coronavirus”.
But the peace in the association does not shine. Sigitas Leonavičius, president of the Vilnius Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Crafts, who publicly expressed mistrust of R. Varkulevičius at the end of March, is now urging the latter to resign and the association to hold new leadership elections.
“The association was established by the 5 regional chambers operating in Lithuania, whose activities are clearly regulated by law. This organization was established to represent the interests of all members in a unified manner. As you know, the Lithuanian Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Crafts unites companies, educational institutions and universities of different sizes operating in different fields. We are one of the few organizations that is also covered by the lobbying exception, because we always seek to represent the public interest rather than individual opinions.
We have agreed in business that we will make decisions unanimously to represent all members. Unfortunately, after receiving the trust credit, Mr. Varkulevičius, who has repeatedly disagreed with the leaders of the regional chambers, has taken initiatives that we have not always been able to support. ” Delphi S. Leonavičius said.
The president of the Vilnius Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Crafts refers to the position expressed on behalf of R. Varkulevičius regarding vaccination priorities, as well as, according to S. Leonavičius, uncoordinated positions and too small initiatives, which represent to the association both in the commercial and commercial debates of the State Social partners.
The president was also hampered by the fact that, without coordination with all the chambers of the association, he announced last year the withdrawal of the association from the National Pact with the Government and the social partners.
“We wonderfully try to say that this is not a kindergarten or lobbying office, when the association’s actions may seem like an echo of other business-related structures. However, we are not another structure, nor are we lobbyists, we are on the side of the public interest, and the public speeches of the president of the association can give the impression that it is different. If a manager called twice from behind the back seat in a chair it means that it is not clear whose position it is, then a third time, maybe it is not necessary that they have already given it to you?
I remember perfectly the times when our association was not invited to Daukantas Square with President Dalia Grybauskaitė for a decade. And I remember very well how last year, after Varkulevičius’ one-man declaration to withdraw from the National Accord, we threatened to lose the functions delegated by the authorities! Is Varkulevičius aiming to enrage us with the authorities? To show how insensitive we are, because after all, the president himself pays for the privileges of vaccination, when we see unvaccinated priority groups of society nearby, “said S. Leonavičius, director of the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Crafts of Vilnius.
This chamber is the largest of the five members of the association, and brings together more than 550 commercial companies and academic institutions.
S. Leonavičius claims that the “vast majority” supports the position approved by the resolution of the House Council under his leadership, although public distrust towards R. Varkulevičius has so far only been signed by the House of Vilnius.
R. Varkulevičius himself categorically denies such accusations and ensures that the positions expressed are discussed and coordinated.
Asked if the disputes and public reproaches do not simply mean the desire to remove him from office, R. Varkulevičius himself assures that he does not cling to the presidency of the association.
“I am democratically appointed to this position and will be fired if I see such a matter. I work at this job on a social basis, so to speak, at the expense of my time and my business. I am not holding on to the chair, but I do not agree. with the accusations of Mr. Leonavičius. If the majority decides that I am not necessary, their will, and I believe that the current behavior towards me was determined by the fatigue of the quarantine, when emotions prevail over common sense, “said R. Varkulevičius.
The Lithuanian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Crafts consists of five regional chambers: Vilnius, Kaunas, Klaipėda, Šiauliai and Panevėžys.
The association brings together some two thousand members from manufacturing companies, services, institutions and educational organizations.
R. Varkulevičius, Managing Director of the Best Baltic Hotels group, began leading the Lithuanian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Crafts in late 2019.
Before that, the businessman headed the Lithuanian Confederation of Industrialists and, before turning to the hotel business, he worked in industrial production companies, at the Achema Group and UAB Marijampolės pieno konservai.
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