„The 16 th government set such priorities in its action program, which would guarantee sustainable economic growth, growth of the labor market and a decrease in necessary family budget expenses, for example, on utility services. By taking this path, we will start to pay recession debts we consider not only as a difference in family income,“ Lithuanian Prime Minister Algirdas Butkevicius told the Seimas on Thursday in a review of work done by his government in the first 100 days in office.
He also promised to look for resources to raise salaries of cultural workers, police officers and other earning lowest salaries.
„It's the first and responsible task as plans and decisions which need additional expenses have to comply with stringent fiscal and budgetary discipline,“ the premier said.
Conservative Andrius Kubilius' government launched austerity measures in response to the 2008 financial crisis and cut public sector salaries, pensions and increased certain taxes.
In his speech, Butkevicius also paid attention to the fact that the incumbent government is ready to implement a culture of work continuity, which has not so far been done in Lithuania's politics.
„We will continue with budget saving, special attention will be paid to strategic energy projects which should be supported by new initiatives involving regional partners. We have backed the pension reform, we will continue the reform of the monetary social support and the implementation of the Lietuva 2030 strategy,“ he said.
The prime minister also said that activities of all ministries had been evaluated, including a review of accomplished, unfinished and undone work.
„So, we see a clear boundary from which work of our government starts,“ Butkevicius said.
Friday marks 100 days since the day the Butkevicius government assumed office. Ministers were sworn in on Dec. 13.
8 social democrats, four members of the Labor Party, two representatives of the Order and Justice party and one member of the Electoral Action of Poles in Lithuania work in the 16 th government.
