The Republic of Lithuania has developed a functional representative democracy since gaining formal recognition of its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.

Political System

The Republic of Lithuania is considered a parliamentary representative democratic republic, with the seat of government centered in the capital city, Vilnius. The country declared its independence from the Soviet Union on March 11, 1990, In turn, the Soviet government formally recognized Lithuania as an independent state on September 6, 1991. The republic officially celebrates its independence on March 11, but also has a holiday on February 16, the date Lithuania declared its initial independence from Soviet Russia in 1918.

Lithuania’s current constitution was adopted on October 25, 1992 and allows for universal suffrage at 18 years of age.

Administrative Regions

The Republic of Lithuania consists of 10 administrative counties (apskritys). All counties are named after their capital cities:

• Alytaus
• Kauno
• Klaipedos
• Marijampoles
• Panevezio
• Siauliu
• Taurages
• Telsiu
• Utenos
• Vilniaus

Executive Branch

The President is Lithuania’s chief of state. This person is elected by popular vote for a five year term, and is eligible for a second term. Valdas Adamkus, the current President, was elected to the position on July 12, 2004.

The head of government is the Prime Minister, appointed by the President based on the approval of Parliament. Gediminas Kirklias, the current Prime Minister, began his official duties on July 4, 2006.

All members of the Council of Ministers are appointed by the president after nomination by the prime minister. The current ministers are:

• Agriculture - Kazimira Danute Prunskiene
• Culture - Jonas Jucas
• Economy - Vytas Navickas
• Education & Science - Roma Zakaitiene
• Environment - Arunas Kundrotas
• Finance - Rimantas Šadzius
• Foreign Affairs - Petras Vaitiekunas
• Health - Rimvydas Turcinskas
• Interior - Raimondas Šukys
• Justice - Petras Baguska
• National Defense - Juozas Olekas
• Social Security & Labour - Vilija Blinkeviciute
• Transport & Communications - Algirdas Butkevicius

Legislative Branch

The Lithuanian Parliament (Seimas) is a unicameral body consisting of 141 officials. Seventy one members are elected by popular vote, and 70 are elected by proportional representation. Each member serves a four year term. A political party must receive at least five percent of the national vote to be represented in the Seimas.

The current structure of the Parliament, by political party is (number of seats)*:

• Labor - 29
• Homeland Union - 26
• Social Democrats - 23
• Civil Democracy (split from Labor) - 11
• Liberal Movement (formerly Liberal Political Group) - 11
• National Farmer's Union (formerly Farmers and New Democracy Union) - 11
• Social Liberal - 10
• Liberal Democrats - 9
• Liberal and Center Union - 8
• Independents - 3

Judicial Branch

The country’s judicial branch consists of the Supreme Court, Constitutional Court, and the Court of Appeals. Judges for all courts are appointed by the President.

Legal System

The Lithuanian legal system is based on civil law. Legislative acts may be appealed to the Constitutional Court. The country has not accepted compulsory International Court of Justice (ICJ) jurisdiction.

* as of late-July 2006

References

Barrientos, Miguel. Index Mundi. 2007.

Government of the Republic of Lithuania Official Website.