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“Today is the last day of work for me and for the entire Government. I am grateful for this four-year journey for each of you. It was a great responsibility and an honor to be Prime Minister and to work for the benefit of the Lithuanian people. I will not hide, four years ago it seemed possible to overthrow the mountains during the legislature.
But reality has shown that four years is not that long. However, I can honestly say: during this period, I did my best to move the state along the path of progress and to live in Lithuania better, safer and more peaceful.
Assessments by both Lithuanian and international organizations and analysts show that Lithuania’s achievements have indeed increased significantly. Together, we have made significant progress in many areas. In the European Union we are at the forefront of the fight against poverty, social exclusion and income inequality.
The increase in income of the population, the improvement of commercial conditions, a record amount of foreign investment are also evaluated: we are the eleventh in the world in terms of the country’s competitiveness. Furthermore, the Lithuanian economy is forecast to have the smallest decline in Europe this year.
However, I think the most important thing is that during these four years the State has turned its face to the Lithuanian people: not only has the helping hand been extended to the most disadvantaged, it has given real support to families, educators, teachers and researchers.
Almost a year ago, we received statistics that had not been seen in decades: there are more people returning to Lithuania than leaving. In my opinion, this is a great achievement. Another job that I think is important and beneficial for our country is the total lack of communication with our strategic partner and neighboring Poland.
Dear ones, I admit, these four years have not been easy for me personally, so I want to sincerely thank everyone who wanted and supported it. Fighting the disease is an extremely exhausting process, but at the same time focused. The government, doctors and the public have shown extraordinary focus in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Exactly 10 months ago, we had to face a fight with an invisible enemy that has not ended today.
I am immensely grateful to my team and to all those who spared no effort and health, did not count the hours and did everything possible to protect our people as much as possible to prevent the death of our citizens. Thank you to everyone from the doctors to the supermarkets to the pharmacy staff. We went through the first stage working together and sincerely. We will also overcome the current situation. I’m sure of that. It is important that political and other leaders in society stop competing and focus on working together and purposefully with society.
Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to take this opportunity to address each of you again. I understand your fatigue, I understand the desire to return to the normal rhythm of life, but the truth is that how quickly we overcome the second wave depends a lot on each one of us.
Once again, I urge everyone to limit contacts, avoid visiting public places, protect your loved ones and friends, and not put your hands on expert recommendations and requests.
Well, hoping that the new Government will deepen the situation in the shortest time possible, I wish that the new Prime Minister will continue to use the developed pandemic management tools, databases and the knowledge of expert groups.
I can assure you that the outgoing government team will always be ready to provide all necessary assistance and pass on its experience. Recently, I have been asked several times: what kind of Lithuania do we leave to the XVIII Government?
I think one in which, despite the crisis of the global pandemic, people live better, with dignity and security, and families and everyone feel needed, visible and audible. I admit, not everything was successful, we didn’t catch everything, we made mistakes. But he who does not work does not make mistakes. I can say with a clear conscience that we have worked sincerely and tried to make you feel better.
We hand over power to the XVIII Conservative and Liberal Government with great responsibility, natural anxiety and clear anticipation and requests: not to destroy what has really been difficult to build. Don’t turn the country’s interest groups into a battlefield. Do not deprive people of their rightfully earned welfare. Do not go to work to take Lithuania to a higher level in the fight against poverty and exclusion, nepotism and corruption.
Dear ones, the approaching Christmas is a time of hope and faith. Therefore, I also want to believe that in the new stage of our country’s existence there will be no shortage of humanity, high political culture and good works for the Lithuanian people.
Thanks to the Seimas colleagues, the Government, the President and the opposition, his team and, most importantly, the people of Lithuania. We are all just passengers in Lithuanian life. Let it improve. A beautiful and meaningful Advent season and a welcoming Merry Christmas! ”Says the Prime Minister’s speech.
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