The proposal submitted by National Defense Minister Juozas Olekas of the ruling Social Democratic Party was supported by 56 parliamentarians, four voted against and 14 abstained.
Under the amendment, professional servicemen will not be allowed to work under employment contracts, engage in individual activities, do creative or pedagogical work.
In Olekas' words, military service is highly tense, hard and demanding, therefore, it is difficult to expect soldiers to perform their duties well after working elsewhere.
Meanwhile, former defense minister Rasa Juknevičienė of the opposition Conservatives pledged to turn to the Constitutional Court over the amendment in fall. She expressed astonishment over the two conflicting decisions adopted by parliament over the past week – a sanction for statutory officers to work elsewhere and a ban for soldiers to do the same.
Last November, parliament had amended the Law on the Organization of National Defense System and Military Service, allowing soldiers to work elsewhere during their time off and with a relevant permit. The law took effect on January 1, 2013.
