At that time, representatives of the conservatives claim that Lithuania sought to postpone the elections, but it was not possible to do so due to the categorical opposition of other states.
“After two rounds of the presidential election – and I have no doubt that there will be two rounds – we will invite people again in three weeks to come to the elections, which they are not very worried about. It comes through the rain, through the snow, living and dead voters of the Homeland Union,” Saulius Skvernelis, leader of the opposition Democratic Union “Vardan Lietuvos” told reporters on Tuesday.
According to him, because of this, the authorities did not make any effort to adjust the date of the EP elections, although holding them together with the presidential elections would, among other things, save money.
Vytautas Mitalas, Deputy Speaker of the Seimas and representative of the ruling Freedom Party, also said that low turnout in the elections “usually benefits one big party from the right”, later confirming that it was the conservatives.
“I don’t like (different election dates – BNS), I think that Lithuania should have actively negotiated for that date to be the same as it was before, but the turnout will be lower, and it will not be equally acceptable to all parties,” V said. .Mital.
On Tuesday, the Seimas approved the proposal to hold the EP elections on June 9 next year. 84 voted for it, five voted against, 23 Seimas members abstained.
The Council of the European Union (EU) has confirmed that the European Parliament elections will be held in EU member states on June 6-9, 2024.
These dates are set by the EU Electoral Act, which states that European Parliament elections are held every five years from a Thursday to a Sunday, usually throughout the first week of June.
According to the Lithuanian Election Code, ordinary elections to the EP are held on Sunday, which is the same period as the elections to the European Parliament are held in all the member states of the European Union.
The presidential election will be held on May 12 next year. The second round, if needed, would take place two weeks later, that is, on May 26.
Conservatives: The transfer was opposed by other parties
Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė pointed out that the discussions about this took place at the meeting of the European Affairs Committee (ERK), where it was clearly declared that Lithuania planned to organize the EP elections in May, together with the presidential elections, because this, “in simple language, is both simpler and cheaper”.
“And such a position of Lithuania is stated in writing. However, according to the European Union treaty, the general rule is that the elections are held in the first weeks of June and can be moved to May if there is a consensus of all parties, the Prime Minister told reporters. – And there, I understand, due to public holidays or other reasons, there were member states that were categorically opposed to the transfer to May, as a result of which the elections remained as provided for in the treaty, in June.”
“I understand that the conservatives are always to blame for everything, but even this must have some limits of objectivity,” added I. Šimonytė.
ERK member, conservative Matas Maldeikis said that the date of the EP elections remained in June because of Germany and Portugal.
“There was a long debate, because some wanted one way, another way, a consensus was reached, but it was mainly Germany – I don’t think I will reveal any secret here, so that Germany could effectively participate in the elections, and Portugal,” said the politician.
“I completely understand how it might look, but this is a question for Germany. “Lithuania really made an effort,” he emphasized.
According to the conservative, instead of talking about benefits for one or another party, the importance of these elections should be emphasized.
“One or the other party may be more useful, but here again, another question. We always say that we have about 80 percent. Supporters of the European Union, we are very much in favor of the European Union. It’s just that we all have to demonstrate that it matters to us where Europe is going, because the elections will be really decisive,” he said.
“We are living in a turning point, the world order is coming to an end and we need a new functioning of the European Union. I really hope that those enthusiasts, that they are for the European Union, that they will come, that it is not the property of one party. This is an issue that is really important to everyone,” emphasized M. Maldeikis.
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2024-08-22 00:49:53
