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The main observations made by the committee were that there was a lack of ambition in the field of regional policy, but even setbacks could be seen.
For example, the program foresees a success rate in 2024. – that the part of the Structural Funds of the European Union redistributed through the regional development councils will be 25%. The Committee emphasized that, according to the formula already established in the current Regional Development Law, said participation of the funds must be 30%.
Program provisions related to strategic management were also discussed with Interior Minister-designate Agne Bilotaite. It was pointed out that the other indicator of planned success – the elaboration of the National Program for Regional Development, an integral part of which – an effective and specialized economic growth plan for each region – does not comply with the provisions of the Law of Strategic Management on development. of new programs and strategies.
It should be noted that work is already underway to develop regional development programs and that these programs will be approved in 2021. Regional specialization is also carried out in accordance with the laws already in force.
The committee members were also questioned about the rather abstract wording of the program on strengthening municipal autonomy. Doubts also arose about some of the directions proposed for the development of the public function (such as the decentralization of sampling).
The failures of the initiative to restore the participation of social partners with voting rights in decision-making in regional development councils were also emphasized, emphasizing that such a model prevents regional development councils from being accountable, even indirectly, to the voters. Council of the Regions.
The committee expressed the expectation of knowing the draft of the action plan of the Government program before its approval, hoping that in time to achieve the established goals, there will be more understanding and communication with both the municipalities and the committee. The Commission will ensure that the implementation of the changes envisaged in the Government’s program in local government and public administration does not at least worsen the current situation.
The Labor and Social Affairs Committee approved the Government’s program
At today’s meeting, the Committee on Labor and Social Affairs approved the program proposed by the Eighteenth Government of the Republic of Lithuania. Among the main objectives of the new government in the field of social security:
- specific and personalized social services and an adequate benefit system to encourage return or integration into the labor market;
- growth of social insurance and social assistance pensions;
- introduction of a supplementary pension for single people of retirement age;
- better opportunities for people with disabilities to enter the open labor market and receive the social services they need;
- ensure the necessary opportunities for the children’s parents (guardians, caregivers) reconciling work and family responsibilities and other measures.
The designated Minister of Social Security and Labor, Monika Navickienė, pointed out that no invisible person and their concerns should remain in Lithuania, and that everyone should receive the necessary help. Much attention will be paid to the development of social services and their accessibility, the support and empowerment of marginalized groups in society, social workers and the restoration of the prestige of their profession, etc. The designated minister pointed out the importance of moving towards a more people-friendly social policy. The members of the Committee were interested in specific measures of implementation of the Government’s program, for the preparation of which the designated Minister also invited the members of the Committee to contribute.
The government program has not yet been approved by the Seimas.
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