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After splitting the Lithuanian Social Democratic Party, A. Butkevičius worked for some time in the “Social Workers” faction of the Seimas, then found himself in the Mixed Group of Seimas Members. After leaving the Social Democrats, the politician did not join any party, but he did join the Seimas elections decided to participate with the Lithuanian Green Party.
This party did not win seats and A. Butkevičius joined the Seimas through a one-member constituency.
He will be the only representative of the Lithuanian Green Party in the new Seimas legislature, and it seems that he already knows what he will do: he wants to join the Liberal Movement, which participates in the coalition negotiations.
Some time ago, this party opposed the majority formed by A. Butkevičius’s Social Democrats.
– You are the only representative of the Lithuanian Green Party elected to the Seimas. Where do you imagine your place, in a mixed group of Seimas members or do you see yourself in some faction?
– I don’t really see myself in the mixed group, because now I was in it. The Mixed Group rarely organizes faction meetings, after which no political decisions are made due to differences in the opinions of the Seimas members in the Mixed Group on various issues.
Another thing is that the mixed group of members of the Seimas often does not express their opinion, either in a position or in the opposition, so I made a decision and hope to be in some faction.
– And in which – the opposition or the majority?
– I would prefer a majority to be able to use my knowledge and experience. During this period, my productivity as a member of the Seimas was low, since the bills or amendments that I had prepared were in the drawers of some ministries and the Government Chancellery. Some, of course, were accepted, but wanted more on the proposals of individual members of the Seimas.
Working in the ruling majority can really do more, be active and productive.
Photo by Josvydas Elinskas / 15min / Algirdas Butkevičius
– There are not so many options here: conservatives or two liberal parties.
– Yes, the conversation took place with the leader of the Victoria Liberal Movement. I was on a call.
My relations with practically all the members of the Liberal Movement were good. They invited me to participate in the Seimas elections together with them, but I refused. I made it clear that as a member of Seimas I will participate in a match that will not exceed 5 percent. barrier so that it is not emphasized that A. Butkevičius is seeking a political refuge, which according to the list could lead him to the Seimas.
– Do you think that from the beginning of the new Seimas legislature you could work together with the Liberal Movement in the faction?
– I can’t say that yet. I still need a decision from your group and have made some of my suggestions. Certainly I will not immediately rush into my arms without expressing my wishes and wishes.
– But how do you plan to work with the Liberal Movement? After all, you are on the left, you have led the Social Democratic Government.
– It must be recognized that the socio-economic program from the super-right to the super-left – in practice, the provisions are the same.
The socio-economic program from the super-right to the super-left; in practice the provisions are the same.
Another thing to consider is that Lithuania is an open country and its economic base is based on exports. The main tasks here are to attract foreign investment, promote the creation and maintenance of new jobs by reducing social exclusion, poverty and increasing pensions, especially benefits for the disabled. These provisions are present in both the Social Democratic Party and the Liberal Party.
When I was prime minister, they accused me of being neoliberal (then the politician is called 2016 modify the Labor Code, 15 minutes). But those decisions were made taking into account the situation of Lithuania in Europe and the world. May Lithuania be able to compete successfully in the global world. Now is that period.
– But do you agree that you are neoliberal? Perhaps those views have changed?
I am quite a pragmatic person.
– No. I’m a pretty pragmatic person. I often make decisions based on analytical work. First there is a goal, then an analysis and then actions that bring good decisions. I follow the economic logic.
– And what do you think of human rights? Much has been said during the election campaign both about same-sex couples and the decriminalization of low-volume drug possession.
– I am very strict with the legalization of drugs. Either a little or a lot. I am categorical.
– But legalization and decriminalization are not the same. Do you think this is the same?
– No, no, it’s definitely not the same. But I have my own preferences.
I am against same-sex marriage, but legalizing a couple on a legal basis is yes.
Photo by Josvydas Elinskas / 15min / Algirdas Butkevičius
– What is your personal Seimas work program? Is this related to green politics?
– Very little has been said recently in Lithuania about the green course, which the European Commission presented to all representatives of the national parliamentary delegations at the beginning of February. I just got involved and am familiar with the program. I am in favor of a green economy. And if you have heard, the president is talking about a green Lithuania, because we are not going anywhere.
If we are the first to understand the possibilities of absorbing the funds of this program by investing them in new technologies, digitization, green economy. Here are the future goals of all the countries of the world. Those countries that quickly realize this will be able to prepare projects, survive and become leaders. This is also related to the goals and objectives of the Lithuanian Green Party.
Very good when there are differences of opinion.
– And if we keep going back to the views. You and the liberals are likely to have different views on specific issues at the Seimas. Will there be no problem voting freely?
– It is very good when there is a difference of opinion. That does not mean, for example, that my opinion can be the most fair and the most important. I will always be guided by the principles of honesty and decency. Since this is useful and necessary for the Lithuanian people, in that case I will agree.
The new Seimas is expected to hold its first session in mid-November.
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