Lithuanian MPs divided on formalizing parliamentary holidays

Lithuanian parliamentarians are split on the issue of officially regulating their vacation time through legislation, a matter that has been debated since a 2004 Constitutional Court ruling.

Despite the court's clarification that parliamentary holidays and rest periods should be legally defined, previous attempts to pass a comprehensive law on the rights, duties, and guarantees of Seimas members have been unsuccessful. The current Seimas has not yet prioritized this issue on its agenda, focusing instead on coalition formation and government changes.

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It would be fair and just for holidays to be regulated.

When asked about officially regulating their holidays, opinions varied among lawmakers. Some expressed a desire for formal vacation time, arguing it would allow them to rest properly from their intensive work. They suggested that official holidays would eliminate any self-reproach for taking breaks or traveling. Orinta Leiputė, Vice-Speaker of the Seimas, believes it would be fair and just to formalize holidays, allowing parliamentarians to take a set period, perhaps two or three weeks, similar to other working professionals.

Others argue that they are continuously working and must remain accessible, even during inter-session periods. Some politicians are hesitant about formalizing holidays due to potential practical difficulties. Laurynas Kasčiūnas, elder of the opposition Homeland Union – Lithuanian Christian Democrats (TS-LKD) faction, stated that formalizing parliamentary holidays would bring more clarity and that his faction would support such a move if the ruling coalition took the lead. However, discussions on this topic have been scarce in the current term, and any new regulations would likely apply to the next parliamentary session.

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If the ruling coalition took political leadership in officially legalizing Seimas members' holidays, I believe the TS-LKD faction would support this step.