On October 23, 2016 Lithuania will hold the second round of parliamentary elections, with 68 constituencies voting for a new parliament. As the results came in for the first round, it was clear that the situation in the country will change completely no matter who wins.
The Centrist Homeland Union (the traditional opposition of the ruling Social Democrats) together with the Peasant/Greens Union have a chance to form a ruling coalition. Yet sociologists failed to predict the support of 21.64% of voters to Gabrielyus Landsbergis' Conservatives. Ramunas Karbauskis' Peasant/Green party took second place with 21.56% of votes.
Some experts are sure that the Peasant/Greens Union will form a coalition with the Conservatives and the Liberals (S...jÃ... «dis liberals). However, despite the defeat of the Social Democrats (LSDP), that took third place with a score of 14.43% they still have a chance to convince the union's leadership to unite with them in a new coalition.
Analysis of preliminary results shows not only the defeat of ruling parties: Lithuanians voted for changes in the political life of the country. They are sick and tired of politicians' promises that were no more than leaves without figs. That is why ordinary people voted for opposition parties, believing that they will do real things. But what can we expect from these political powers? First of all we should not write off the fact that they will try to achieve the goals they announced. For example, Lithuanians should be concerned by the call to reduce the number of teachers, a statement made by Gabrielius Landsbergis, who is convinced that Lithuania has too many teachers.
The second shocking thing is the fact that Lithuanians voted for war parties. All the winning parties support increasing military expenditures and compulsory military service. Conservatives propose to enlist all people without exception immediately after graduation. Are young people ready for this? Such initiatives may lead to an increase in emigration.
In other words, the political wind in Lithuania is certain to bring changes which could become controversial.
