Lithuanian MPs call for extraordinary session in mid-July over nuclear referendum

Vidmantas Žiemelis, head of the Christian Party's political group at the parliament, told BNS that 55 lawmakers have signed on in support of the initiative to hold an extraordinary session on 16 July.

A draft resolution on the referendum is planned to be registered in the near future.

For a referendum to be held simultaneously with this autumn's general elections, a resolution on this must be adopted in the period between 14 July and 14 August.

Under the Constitution, the Seimas' spring session ends on 30 June. The elections are scheduled for 14 October.

It is estimated that holding a referendum on the same day would help the state save more than ten million litas.

Two groups of citizens are also initiating a referendum on the nuclear power plant construction on the day of the general elections. At least 300,000 signatures of eligible voters are needed for a referendum to be held.

Lithuania expects to build a new nuclear power facility in Visaginas by 2020.

Back in 2005, the Parliament passed a resolution in favor of Lithuania remaining a nuclear energy state, providing that the parliament should back, legally and politically, investments in the construction of a new reactor.