by KR Slade

The 11th of March 2010 was the 20th anniversary of the re-independence of the Republic of Lithuania.  The original Republic of Lithuania (which arose from being a part of Czarist Russia since 1795) existed from 1919 until 1939, and had ceased to exist with the invasion of the Nazi’s.  Post World War II, there was Lithuania’s 50-year forced annexation into the USSR -- as the nominal Republic of Soviet Lithuania.  In 2010, the re-emerged Republic of Lithuania has become an ‘adult’ in the family of nations.

However, in history, a true-and-complete nation does not emerge instantly upon the finite occasion of a small group of men signing a document that declares national independence . . . compare the USA declaring its independence in 1776 and not ratifying its first constitution until 1790.  In Lithuania, it took three (3) years from declaring independence until the Russian troops finally left the country . . . there was a long process (with considerable difficulties and hardships) to establish the workings of a functional government . . . to change from the Soviet to a market economy . . . to resolve a half-century of oppression of the people . . . to emerge from behind an Iron Curtain . . . to internally rediscover and redevelop the nationhood . . . to become a true member of the family of nations.  Moreover, much of such work is only begun . . . democracy is always an on-going effort.

This coming-of-age for Lithuania, from the end of the 20th century into the first decade of the 21st century, has not been always easy, nor has it been always smooth . . . there were a number of delays, intervening influences, setbacks, and poor decisions.  Everything considered, Lithuania has done a remarkably good job . . .

Some  Obvious  Achievements

The physical infrastructure is greatly improved.  The cities have most of their old buildings restored, and they are lovely.  Modern structures are everywhere.  Most apartment buildings have had at least some basic renovation.  New homes fill the cities and suburbs, and even in many villages.

The arts, national culture, and the Lithuanian language are thriving.

The significant problem with discarded-trash is now much lessened.  The simple solution of the placement of trash-collection receptacles has changed the behaviour of people; it is only a couple of years since depositing trash (or even a cigarette butt) on the street will evoke a rebuke by any witness.  The discarding of empty plastic / metal / glass containers (usually for alcohol) has been vastly eliminated by the fact that such containers have become recyclable for cash payment; a volunteer ‘army’ of the poor, as their full-time employment, gathers the discarded now-valuable items. 

Incoming tourism is developed.  In Soviet times, there was one hotel in Vilnius; now there are dozens, which are all completely restored, or newly built.  Restaurants, bars, cafes, entertainment, each of all types, are everywhere.  There has been some development in rural tourism.  Lithuanians like to escape to the countryside, and to travel -- throughout Europe and beyond.

Some  Political  Ineptitude

The number of governments has equalled the number of years of independence.  Political instability is evidenced by the frequent changes in power, and the fact of numerous political parties -- some of which are created at a weekend meeting and may function for a dozen months.  Political parties are often less than a group with a common political ideology, and often more of a group of uniting common friends.

There was significant crime, not only petty and major crime, but also organized crime.  A few years ago, there were constant news reports of robberies, especially of jewellery stores and banks.  Extortion and ‘protection’ crime was widespread.  More recently, such instances have become rare.  However, it seems that many criminals from Lithuania have migrated to other countries, especially to the other EU states; Lithuanian nationals abroad suffer from discrimination as a result.

There was vast corruption, from the lowest to the highest levels of government.  A free press has reduced some of this corruption.  Police corruption has been reduced, by the courts simply paying the police officer for the conviction of bribery attempts.  EU standards and controls have reduced corruption.

In 2004, the President was impeached and removed from office.  He is now a member of the European Parliament.  Questions remain and are still being litigated about that ‘impeachment’; or, was it a ‘coup’? 

A couple of years ago, the leader of one of the largest (and newest) political parties was criminally charged with election offenses, and removed from his elected office; although he was never convicted.  He is now a member of the European Parliament.

After extensive denials from all individuals (except the current President) and from all levels of government, in late 2009 a parliamentary inquiry establish that in the last ten years there were in the capital city of Vilnius at least two (2) secret US prisons, for ‘rendition’ of captives from other countries.  The first such prison was a small ‘guesthouse’ that operated since 2002.  In 2002, President Bush visited Lithuania.  In March 2004, Lithuania was accepted into NATO.  There was a larger secret-prison facility (currently owned by the Lithuanian secret service) that operated from September 2004 until November 2005.  Valdas Adamkus (a Lithuanian-born American citizen, who is apparently not an ‘ethnic Lithuanian’) was President from 26 February 1998 until 25 February 2003; he was soundly and surprisingly defeated for re-election.  Rolandas Paksas was President from 26 February 2003 until his impeachment-removal on 6 April 2004.  There is corroborated testimony that Paksas was informed about a future secret prison, and that he refused to give his permission; thereafter, there was a campaign to remove him on the grounds of his alleged improper ties to Russia. The interim/temporary (i.e., 6 April 2004 until 12 July 2004) President, Arturas Paulauskas, denies any knowledge of any secret prisons.  Adamkus was re-elected in a close vote, where his opponent was seen as pro-Russian; his second term was from 12 July 2004 until 12 July 2009.  Adamkus denies any knowledge of any prisons, and declares that the existence of such prisons has not been proven.  The parliamentary inquiry:  1)  did not determine that the prisons had ever been actually used, and 2)  blamed a couple of high-ranking state-security personnel for allowing the illegal prisons, and recommended their criminal prosecution.  This story is not finished . . .

Previous governments created a debacle of authorizing the re-building, in the capitol city, of a ‘restored’ Renaissance facsimile of the Palace of the Rulers, which had been destroyed 100+ years ago.  The elaborate structure was supposed to have been completed in the summer of 2009 -- in time for Lithuania’s 1,000-year anniversary of its name as a nation.  After spending 100 million Euros, the structure is still not completed, and has been abandoned due to lack of funds.

Since Soviet times, there has been an attempted construction of a large ‘National Soccer Stadium’ in Vilnius.  A few of years ago, construction re-commenced during the building boom; then was cancelled; then re-commenced; and again cancelled due to lack of funds.  Actually, Lithuania’s national sport is basketball !

As a condition of membership to the European Union, the country’s only nuclear reactor (i.e., a Chernobyl-type design) was closed at the end of 2009.  For years, the previous governments did nothing to resolve the issue, apparently believing that by doing nothing the EU would revoke the closure requirement.  However, it will take fifteen (15) years to build a new reactor, and construction has not yet begun.  Meanwhile, the price of electricity has increased forty percent (40%).

Some  Continuing  Challenges

The ‘power elite’ of the Soviet era gained great advantages during the transition to a market economy; this elite is now called the ‘nomenclatura’ -- an oligarchy of power and wealth.  Lithuania has never faced / admitted to the power and crimes of individuals, since before the end of World War II.  There has never been a full ‘lustration’ / transparency of any portion of the last 100 years.        

There are unresolved issues of ownership of real estate, and personal property.  Throughout Lithuania, there is real estate that does not have a ‘clear title’.  Such title problems usually have to do with prior ownership by Jews, who were killed or emigrated during World War II.  The Vilnius region is also a source of title problems arising from ownership by Poles, who emigrated after World War II.  The title problems have not been settled, and are not going to ‘go-away’. 

There are social problems, especially with alcohol abuse.  It is only a couple of years since stores cannot sell alcohol after 10pm. Public drunkenness, which was not allowed in Soviet times, is widespread.  Domestic violence is a problem.  Drug addiction, especially to heroin, is a significant problem.  Suicide rates are the highest in the world.

There is unemployment; many businesses that operated in Soviet times have closed, due to being un-economic in the now-globalized marketplace.  There is under-employment; people cannot find jobs for which they have qualifications; whereby ‘un/employment statistics’ are not accurate.  Moreover, people who cannot find jobs have quit the labour force; therefore, ‘employment statistics’ are further understated.  Official labour statistics admit that ‘unemployment’ in the recent-prior twelve (12) months has doubled:  to 15+ percent.

There is economic hardship.  Until two (2) years ago, there was the ‘bubble’ of expansion, financed by cheap and easy credit and also by expanding markets.  In the last 12 months, Gross National Product has decreased by 25%, as officially reported.

There is vast disparity in income levels:  the poor have become poorer, and there has emerged an economically-privileged society.  A current Lithuanian saying is:  “In Soviet times, everyone had money, but there was nothing to buy.  Now, some people have much money to buy everything; and many people have no money to buy anything.”

Russian oil, and more-importantly gas, controls the market; prices have constantly increased during the last couple of years.

There is a continuing ‘hold-over’ of Soviet ‘culture’ / thinking / methods / practices.  For example:  1)  Street addresses are often non-existent, incorrect, confusing / illogical, and unusable; however, there is participation in a new EU project to address this fact that causes problems with deliveries / police / fire / mail / tax collections;  2)  Many stores still do not have ‘self-service’; the customer must ask at the counter for what he/she wants;  3)  Retail stores usually block their windows; 4)  In the villages, stores often do not have a cash register or adding machine; an abacus is used !   

Other than the three (3) major cities (i.e.,  Vilnius, Kaunas, Klaipeda), the smaller cities have had little development.  Rural areas have little economic opportunity.  Most of the housing for farms and in villages is comparable to the Appalachia region of the USA.

Since ascension to the European Union, there has been a significant emigration, notably of the youth -- in search of ‘economic opportunity’.  No one knows the size of the exodus, but it is reasonable to estimate that a minimum of 10% of the ‘pre-EU membership’ population are now abroad.  There is also the unknown size of the emigration, mostly Russian, at the beginning of independence; estimates vary between 5--10%.  Therefore, since independence, the total emigration is conceivably 15--25% of the population; that is a very large number, which would have a profound effect.

People from abroad, who have a legal and human right to Lithuanian citizenship, by virtue of their Lithuanian ethnicity and/or ancestral citizenship in Lithuania, have been denied their rights to obtain their citizenship in the present Republic of Lithuania.  The legislature passes contradictory laws, the ministries of the governments violate the laws, the personnel in the ministries act independently of the laws, and the courts uphold the governments.  This ‘Law on Citizenship’ is deja-vous of Soviet-era law.  The same people who worked in the Lithuanian Soviet public-service are still working in the Lithuanian Republic public-service.

The  Status  Quo

There is political dissatisfaction to a considerable degree, since the time of independence.  Significant portions of the population see no betterment since independence, and/or no betterment since joining the EU.  The Prime Minister is the most-unpopular elected official in the entire country.  No political party has a majority; a coalition of three or four parties is always necessary.  Legislative focus, at all levels, is frequently ‘populist’.  However, in the last two (2) years, the President -- the first woman president, and who is not affiliated with any political party -- is the most-popular elected official:  more than 80% approval rating.

During the last couple of years, true-inflation seems to have caused prices to actually double.  Higher education doubled; food doubled; cigarettes increased from 1.00 to 6.19 litas; trolleybus increased from .60 to 2.00 litas, and service has been much reduced.  Utilities increased 50--60%.  Rents tripled. 

The banks and communications services are Scandavian-owned. 

Gas is Russian-owned. 

Oil refining is Polish-owned; oil sales is Russian-owned.

The pharmaceutical suppliers are German/Swiss/French.

The China ‘presence’ is hugely increased.  Significant Lithuanian industries have closed, due to far-cheaper Chinese imports.  Six years ago, there were fewer than ten (10) Chinese restaurants in Vilnius; now there are dozens.  There has been a recent influx of Chinese businessmen, operating their own companies.

Lithuania has one-third more mobile telephones than the number of its ‘official’ population.  In the cities, high-speed Internet is widely available, to the highest degree worldwide.

Conclusion

Having reached twenty-one (21) years as a nation, perhaps now it will be time to ‘put aside childish ways’, to not claim ‘youth’ as any excuse, to accept full responsibility for one’s actions / inactions.  It is incongruous to claim simultaneously to be ‘a young nation’ and ‘a nation one-thousand years old’.

Since the beginning of the last decade, there was great over-spending by investors, businesses, individuals, and governments.  Debt, unknown in the Soviet era, has accumulated; savings has been non-existent.  Now, the ‘bubble’ has burst.  Beginning two (2) years ago, there is economic hardship that has worsened, and such hardship is not reasonably foreseeable to improve in the very-near future. 

In the last six years, I have witnessed great accomplishments in Lithuania.  I wish only that I could have been here at the beginning of independence, so that I would have a complete picture of the true progress of Lithuania.

In 2010, the 20th anniversary of independence, following the 2009 celebrations of Lithuania’s millennium and Vilnius as European Capitol of Culture, lead Lithuania into a new era.  The events made ready many physical improvements that will last for many years.  Far greater than the tangible is the intangible progress, which is permanent, yet but a good beginning for an even far-better future.