Arūnas Burinskas: What Changes to Expect from Lithuania's New Government?

Lithuania's new government is poised to implement a series of ambitious coalition promises, though the timeline for achieving these goals varies significantly. Analyst Arūnas Burinskas outlines the potential changes expected within the next twelve months, by 2028, and those likely to remain in their initial stages, emphasizing that success depends not only on political will but also on legislative action, consistent funding, municipal capacity, and time.

One of the most closely watched promises is the provision of free meals for all primary school students by the end of 2027. While not entirely new, the coalition's accelerated political ambition and clear deadline are notable. Implementing the necessary legal changes and allocating funds within a year is considered realistic, with the full goal achievable by 2028 if municipalities are equipped with kitchens and staff. Another significant pledge is to prepare a model for providing early education access to children from 18 months old by 2028, building on the existing commitment to ensure universal access for two-year-olds from September 2025.

The coalition agreement also proposes the creation of a national housing fund, pooling state, municipal, and private resources to support families. This institutional proposal is significant, though details on its capital, beneficiaries, and mechanisms (loans, guarantees, or subsidies) remain to be clarified. Initial steps, including concept development and legislation, are expected within a year, with the first measures potentially launching by 2028, though substantial improvements in housing affordability may take longer.

Furthermore, the government aims for Lithuania to produce more electricity than it consumes by 2028, coupled with promises of clearer electricity bills, revised fixed charges, stronger consumer protection, and enhanced storage and grid capacity. While regulatory changes can be implemented quickly, new infrastructure projects require time. Therefore, the next year is likely to see rule changes and tenders, with physical capacity growth assessed by 2028, though guaranteed lower market prices are not expected. Efforts to improve healthcare include managing patient flows, implementing digital solutions, and integrating social and health services, with process improvements anticipated sooner than an increase in the supply of doctors or services.