Lithuanian MP Andrius Bagdonas: 'In government, I was able to implement concrete things. In opposition, I have to fight more for principles'

As a resident of the picturesque Neringa municipality, which borders Russia on the coast of the Baltic Sea, Andrius Bagdonas, a Lithuanian parliamentarian representing the Liberal Movement, has primarily focused on the interests of Neringa and other coastal municipalities. However, his activities in the Lithuanian Parliament (Seimas), where he is serving his second term, extend far beyond these local concerns. The Baltic Times Magazine sat down to speak with A. Bagdonas.

This is your second term in the Lithuanian legislature, the Seimas. How does it differ from your first?

In my second term in the Seimas, I am in the opposition, so my work has changed – I have much less opportunity to influence decisions directly. Now I am more involved in criticizing government decisions and proposing alternatives – stopping bad decisions and proposing better ones. In government, I was able to implement concrete things; in opposition, I have to fight more for principles. It requires more clarity and determination, as well as patience and a long-term strategy. However, I do not allow the government to lose sight of the liberal direction, and I strive to ensure that liberal ideas are heard and debated.

Are you concerned that the centuries-old liberal democracy the West is known for is under pressure, or, as some suggest, being actively targeted? Do democracies, including Lithuania's, have an alternative?

It is clear that with Russia launching a large-scale unprovoked war against Ukraine in 2022, and the US under President Donald Trump upsetting established alliances by launching tariff wars and questioning the United States' past security commitments to its Western allies, a new geopolitical reality is emerging that is extremely challenging for liberal democracies. The situation is certainly complex, and there are no obvious solutions. For the time being, we are trying to preserve the transatlantic relationship, and we are relying on Europe – on its value system and its willingness to invest in its own defense.

Which legislative initiatives, either authored by you or by the Liberal Movement that you represent in this Seimas and the previous, would you like to highlight?

There have been a number of such initiatives, but I think the legalization of social business status, which facilitates the operation of social enterprises and provides incentives and financial support, is important. This helps to encourage businesses that not only make a profit, but also address social problems, thus contributing to the development of sustainable and socially responsible business. A great deal of effort has been devoted to ensuring that Lithuanians who have emigrated are able to retain their citizenship, thus strengthening ties with their compatriots living abroad and contributing to the country's international reputation. I initiated amendments that simplified the procedure for registering tourists in Lithuania, as the current procedures made it difficult for both hotels and local businesses. Among the initiatives mentioned could be the promotion of investment in renewable energy – the development of wind and solar power plants. The main objective is to ensure energy independence and reduce the country's dependence on fossil fuels.

Looking at your work, it seems many of your initiatives are of significant local/regional importance, particularly for coastal municipalities like the beautiful Neringa, which you represent, rather than solely national in scope, which I find commendable. For example, you've proposed moving cars that congest resort streets to remote parking areas, and you've expressed concerns about requiring hotels to register tourists additionally. Am I right in seeing this pattern?

I am a Neringa resident temporarily living in Vilnius, so naturally I care about Neringa – its present and future. Many of my initiatives have focused on the problems of Neringa and other coastal municipalities. For example, I proposed a solution to reduce car traffic in the summer by providing remote parking zones to solve congestion and improve the quality of life for local residents. I have also fought against overly complex tourist registration procedures, which do not help, but rather make life more difficult for small businesses. Sustainable tourism is also important to Neringa, and I have made proposals for the promotion of clean vehicles and environmental projects. My aim is to keep Neringa green, vibrant, and attractive for both tourists and the local community.

You're a member of the Seimas Commission for Relations with the World Lithuanian Community. Do you believe the Seimas will manage to organize a new referendum to amend the Constitution to allow broader dual citizenship? You're a strong proponent of the initiative, aren’t you?

I believe that there have already been enough referendums on this issue, in all of which more than a million people with the right to vote voted in favor of retaining their citizenship. The fact that technically there were a few thousand votes missing does not change the substance. We must quickly find a way to resolve this problem without changing the constitution, especially in the current geopolitical situation.

As a member of the Seimas Committee on Economics, do you foresee any economic challenges ahead? What steps should be taken to address them?

There are clear risks – economic growth is slowing and competition for investment is intensifying. Without decisive action, Lithuania risks losing momentum. We need to urgently deregulate business and encourage high value-added investment. We need to focus on technological development and improving the skills of our workforce. Without a clear strategy, our economy could stall.

You're also a member of the Committee for the Future. Could you tell our international audience more about its purpose and activities?

The Committee prepares and discusses the modeling of the future development of society and the state, the development of innovation and technological progress, and submits reports, conclusions, and proposals to the parliament on issues related to the strategic directions of the state's development and projections of its future development. For example, it examines the implementation of the strategy “Lithuania 2050 – a vision for Lithuania's future.”

Let’s do a bit of futurology: What do you think Lithuania will look like in the year 2125?

I believe that in 2125 Lithuania will be one of the most advanced countries in the world, distinguished by innovation and a high standard of living. Education will be virtual and personalized, allowing everyone to learn at their own pace. Perhaps there will be an advanced valley of quantum technology laboratories in Vilnius and floating cities by the seaside, combining nature conservation and modern living. We will tackle the challenges of climate change with artificial intelligence and climate regulation technologies. And yet we will be able to maintain our identity in a world without borders. We will be proud to be a modern but deeply rooted state. Above all, we will preserve freedom and democracy as core values.