“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 the projects that were previously given the green light, but now they are being stopped: this includes the design of the bike 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 the rulers will say: “Blame those before.” I foresee this already. This is a classic political act. 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 are the specific challenges you believe are hindering the development projects in Klaipėda, as highlighted by your comments on the ruling election committee “Ištikimi Klaipėda”?
**Interview with Audrius Petrošius, Member of the Seimas**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Mr. Petrošius. In light of the recent developments in Klaipėda’s local elections and your comments regarding the direction of the ruling election committee ”Ištikimi Klaipėda,” can you explain what you meant by saying “the handbrake is closed”?
**Audrius Petrošius:** Thank you for having me. When I refer to “the handbrake is closed,” I mean that there are significant obstacles being placed in front of various developmental projects within our city. The recent decisions to halt the construction of the new Jūrininkai polyclinic and stop several other approved initiatives are, in my opinion, steps backward for Klaipėda.
**Interviewer:** Can you elaborate on the decision to stop the polyclinic project? What implications does that have for the community?
**Audrius Petrošius:** The decision to halt the new polyclinic for a reconstruction of the older facility raises many concerns. It not only delays necessary healthcare improvements but also signals a lack of commitment to fulfilling the city’s needs. The community deserves better infrastructure, especially in healthcare, and this decision jeopardizes that.
**Interviewer:** Several projects, including a bike path and a sports complex concession, have also been halted. What do you think led to these decisions?
**Audrius Petrošius:** Those projects were previously given the green light, reflecting a strategic plan for the city. However, we are now seeing a trend of reversal. This is troubling because it affects economic development and public well-being. The reasons given for halting them seem more political than practical.
**Interviewer:** Council member Andrius Dobranskis mentioned that only about 80% of the allocated funds were utilized. What are your thoughts on this?
**Audrius Petrošius:** This issue is indeed grave. It indicates a lack of effective planning and execution. If funds are not being used as intended, it raises questions about the council’s management of resources. We need accountability, and I expect the administration to provide clear explanations during the upcoming Finance and Economy Committee meeting.
**Interviewer:** How do you anticipate the response of the current rulers to the funding issues?
**Audrius Petrošius:** Unfortunately, I foresee a classic political maneuver—blaming the previous administration for current shortcomings. This cycle of finger-pointing diverts attention from the real issues we face right now. It is crucial that we focus on solutions rather than blame.
**Interviewer:** what is your message to the constituents of Klaipėda regarding these developments?
**Audrius Petrošius:** I want to assure the people of Klaipėda that I am committed to fighting for the progress and well-being of our city. We must hold our leaders accountable and advocate for the projects that matter to our community. Together, we can push back against stagnation and ensure that our city continues to develop in a positive direction.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Mr. Petrošius, for your insights today. Your commitment to Klaipėda is evident, and we look forward to seeing how these issues unfold in the council.
**Audrius Petrošius:** Thank you. It’s vital for us to keep these conversations going.