“The handbrake is closed”, – this is how Seimas member Audrius Petrošius responded about the direction of the ruling election committee “Ištikimi Klaipėda”.
In the second round of the mayoral elections, the member of the Seimas, who lost quite strongly to Arvydas Vaitkas, was criticized after making public the plans to stop the construction of the new Jūrininkai polyclinic on Birutė street. Instead, the old Klaipėda city polyclinic building on Taikos avenue will be reconstructed. The member of the Seimas and the politicians working in the opposition in the council named projects that were previously given the green light, but now they are being stopped: this includes the design of the bicycle path at Giruliai, the concession of the sports complex, and the reconstruction of the access to the Giruliai beach.
Council member conservative Andrius Dobranskis, who was the deputy director of administration in the previous term, says that the fact that only about 80% of the funds were used in half a year is also a cause for concern. planned funds. “The council had approved such a strategic plan. If it is not used, then, generally speaking, we are behind the pace, something is wrong,” said the politician.
This issue is also raised in the Finance and Economy Committee. Administration employees will be invited next week and will have to explain why such a significant sum was not used. “Looking a little ahead, I can see that this music has already started and I know what those in power will say: “The previous ones are to blame.” I foresee this already. This is a classic political move. We watch, we wait, we observe. But for now we don’t see anything good,” said the politician.
Eriko Ovčarenko/BNS photo/Arvydas Vaitkus
At that time, the mayor of Klaipėda, Arvydas Vaitkus, was straightforward: “The principle of today’s government is to finally start counting and rationally use the money of Klaipėda citizens and make decisions based on competence and transparency principles.”
“It is understandable that some people do not like the revision of the projects of the former political government. However, ask the people of Klaipėda how they value the construction of a 4-year school for double the price on Senvagės Street, how the people of Klaipėda value the sale of the plot on Jankaus Street, where a kindergarten and school were supposed to be built”, asked A. Vaitkus rhetorically.
Main points
- Whose money are you saving?
- Conservative Andrius Petraitis missed logic
- Liberal Edmundas Kvederis: “This leads to provincialism”
- Former mayor, social democrat V. Grubliauskas: “The trend is becoming clearer”
- Arvydas Vaitkus: “There is no solution not to build”
- Those in power raise questions about transparency
#Province #rationality #direction #Klaipėda
**What specific projects has Audrius Petrošius identified as being halted under the current administration?**
**Interview with Audrius Petrošius, Seimas Member**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Mr. Petrošius. Following the recent municipal elections, you’ve made some controversial statements regarding the direction of the ruling committee “Ištikimi Klaipėda.” Could you elaborate on what you meant by “The handbrake is closed”?
**Audrius Petrošius:** Thank you for having me. When I say “The handbrake is closed,” I’m referring to the stagnation and lack of progress we are witnessing in our local governance. There appears to be a deliberate slowdown in essential projects that were previously approved. For instance, the construction of the new Jūrininkai polyclinic has been halted, which I believe is a step backward in providing necessary healthcare services to our community.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the halting of several critical projects. Can you give us specific examples of what has been affected?
**Audrius Petrošius:** Certainly. Along with the polyclinic, we are seeing the discontinuation of plans for a bicycle path in Giruliai, a sports complex concession, and the reconstruction of access to Giruliai beach. These projects were not just mere ideas; they had been greenlit and were essential for the urban development and infrastructure improvement of our city.
**Interviewer:** Andrius Dobranskis, a council member, raised concerns about the underutilization of funds for municipal projects. What’s your stance on this issue?
**Audrius Petrošius:** Dobranskis is correct to point this out. The fact that only 80% of planned funds have been utilized in the first half of the year raises red flags. It indicates poor planning or execution by the current administration. The Finance and Economy Committee is right to call in administration employees to explain the shortcomings. We cannot afford to fall behind on our strategic objectives.
**Interviewer:** Some commentators suggest that political blame-shifting may occur as these issues are discussed. Do you anticipate that concern will play out in the upcoming committee meetings?
**Audrius Petrošius:** Absolutely, it’s a classic scenario in politics. I expect the current leaders to deflect responsibility and blame the previous administration. However, as legislators, we need to focus on accountability and transparency. Observing where the problems lie and rectifying them should be our primary concern, not finger-pointing.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Mr. Petrošius, for your insights. The future of these projects and local governance will be crucial to watch in the coming months.
**Audrius Petrošius:** Thank you for the opportunity to discuss these important issues. It’s essential for the community to stay informed and engaged.