The Freedom Party has outlined what it will look for in the coalition: from same-sex couples to zero taxes in part of the companies.

Aušrinė Armonaitė, Chairperson of the Freedom Party, listed the top priorities in a short press conference held at the Seimas.

See his comment to the media here:

According to A.Armonaitė, the party board approved on Sunday priorities in five areas: human rights, education, economy, as well as proposals on issues relevant to Lithuanians around the world and common principles of governance (openness, respect for human rights and private property, etc.).

On Thursday, the Freedom Party presented an extended set of tasks in various areas to potential coalition partners.

“There are many, they are very specific and we think it is important for the state. Not only in these areas, which I have listed, but also in the field of the environment in general, in the field of helping the poor, how to attract more investment in cities, such as some possibly important objects for the state to build. We ship all of these points. We will still discuss them in the meeting today, maybe we will adjust them a bit and hope that at least some of them will be approved and supported by our coalition partners, ”said A. Armonaitė.

According to her, the most important priorities of the Freedom Party are: in the economy – zero taxes on reinvested earnings so that companies can expand; friendlier business supervision; investment in research and experimental development; in education, it is important to update the study plans; a long-term agreement on this and on teacher training; in the field of human rights, same-sex couples; decriminalization of psychoactive substances.

“A referendum on multiple citizenship is important for Lithuanians around the world. And, as I mentioned, those common principles are the principles of respect for human rights and freedom of expression, ”commented A. Armonaitė.

At the same time, he said that as a liberal force, the Freedom Party would like the income of the population to be taxed as little as possible. So one of the party’s wishes is 15 percent. Personal income tax rate for those who receive income from employment.

“For everything else, the budget should not be in shock in the near future and we are open to discussions on how to put such a tax structure in Lithuania. (…) We are not populists, we understand that there is not only health, but also possible economic challenges that may come to Lithuania. That is why we are open to talking about whether further changes and reductions are needed, “said the president of the Freedom Party.

Must suit I.Šimonyte and G.Nausėda

A.Armonaitė did not respond to which ministries he would like to run for when negotiating the coalition.

Politics explained that she really likes that today the debate is a bit focused not on the chairs but on the content of the policy.

“And I would like us to talk about that content at this stage,” he said.

When asked about the possible candidates for the Ministers of Education, Science and Sports, including the Vice Mayor of Vilnius City, Vytautas Mitalas, and the former Rector of Vilnius University Artūras Žukauskas, A. Armonait candidatos explained that these are candidates potential, but not necessarily nominated. This is said to be negotiated.

The leader of the Freedom Party reiterated that it is very important that the ministerial candidates are suitable for the partners, the possible new Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonyte and President Gitan Nausėda.

The wishes of conservatives and the liberal movement

The political forces that make up the new ruling coalition, the Lithuanian Christian National-Democratic Union (TS-LKD), the Liberal Movement and the Freedom Party, presented their proposals for a future agreement.

Conservatives decided on Wednesday the most important job ahead of the new government.

These include managing the coronavirus situation, reviewing the DNA plan for the future economy, a national agreement on education, and empowering the most vulnerable groups in society.

What the Liberal Movement also wanted to see in the future governing coalition treaty.

The party will seek to reduce the personal income tax (PIT) to 15 percent, legalize same-sex couples and the use of all Latin letters in personal names. The Liberal Movement also wants to sign a national agreement on education.

On Thursday, the Freedom Party also presented its proposals for the coalition agreement and the Government program.

They consist of two parts.

First, concise proposals in 5 priority areas: education, human rights, economics for Lithuanians around the world and common principles of public administration.

The Freedom Party also proposes a 160-point public policy project.

TS-LKD President Gabriel Landsberg expects the coalition agreement to be agreed early next week.

“In the coming days, we will examine in detail the principles and priority work proposed by the coalition partners for the coalition agreement and assess which provisions can already be integrated into a single document, requiring further consultation and further discussion. If necessary “We will talk with partners remotely. We hope that the joint text will be agreed early next week,” he said.

Tripartite coalition

The new ruling majority is made up of three political parties: the TS-LKD, the Liberal Movement and the Freedom Party.

The center-right coalition that is being formed will have 74 seats in the new Seimas.

TS-LKD won 50 parliamentary seats, the Liberal Movement won 13 seats, and the Freedom Party won 11 seats.