SOMETHING NEW AND SOMETHING OLD

  • 2008-10-29

The Lithuanian people are ready for change, and seem quite hopeful that the new ruling coalition, formed just one day after the results of the parliamentary elections were in, will be able to provide it. Unusual for the Baltic states, the new ruling coalition may be just what the doctor ordered for the country.
The coalition is made up of an odd mix of experienced politicians and total newcomers to the political scene. People are excited about the prospects of the new coalition 's even the opposition Labor Party has said they will support the new government.

On the one hand, the new coalition will bring the experience needed to weather the current economic crisis in the country. Andrius Kubilius, the man slated to become the next prime minister, brings a wealth of experience to the table 's it will be his second stint as head of the nation's government.
On the other hand, the coalition is composed of a slew of newcomers to the political scene, including an entirely new political party made up of some of the country's top celebrities.

In this party lies the one place that Lithuanians may be disappointed. Voters took a big chance in giving their celebrities a shot at ruling the country, and many honestly believe that they will be able to pull it off. Nevertheless, not much is known about how the party will behave, and the whole thing is held together by the sheer force of will of popular TV personality Arunas Valinskas.

VOTING FROM THE POCKET

As it goes with most elections worldwide, voters first thought in the polling stations was on their wallet. With the other Baltic states standing as a sharp reminder of what an all out economic crash can do to a country, Lithuanians are looking for a government that can turn the economy around.
Appropriately enough, before the new government was even formed, its leaders began talking about their plans to cut spending, reduce the deficit and turn the economy around.

And the economy is exactly why people in Lithuania are upset with the current Social Democrat led government. The electorate has seen a sharp economic downturn in the past few months and voters have taken their wrath out on the left-leaning government. 
Everyone hopes that the new ruling coalition, made up of all right-leaning parties with a mix of experience, will be able to fulfill their campaign promises and get the economy back on track.