Lithuania.pdf

Lithuania's 2020 election was won by centre-right parties, with Homeland Union forming a coalition with two liberal parties. However, the coalition became unstable in 2022 due to disagreements on same-sex partnerships and drug decriminalization. The ruling coalition faced challenges in implementing its agenda, including tax reform and public administration reform. Municipal elections in March 2023 were dominated by the Lithuanian Social Democratic Party.

The country is experiencing a cost of living crisis, with high inflation and energy prices, and a chronically high unemployment rate of 9.2% in February 2023. The government increased the minimum wage by 16% in late 2022, but the real average wage index decreased by 19 points due to inflation.

The trade union context is marked by strikes and labour discontent, with the first successful strike action in Lithuanian history taking place in 2022. The strike by Achema union members was interrupted by the Russian aggression against Ukraine, and the strike was considered a failure.