Lithuanian MPs Spend Million Euros on Parliamentary Expenses, Including Gifts

Lithuanian members of parliament have spent more than one million euros on parliamentary expenses in the first half of 2026. These funds cover a variety of items, including office supplies, amber jewelry, and sweets, often distributed as gifts to constituents. The practice has drawn attention, particularly as parliament is largely empty during summer recesses.

“

A small gift is better than a big thank you. That's the logic I follow – if I attend an event and there are ten nominees, I congratulate not just one nominee, but all ten.

Valius Ąžuolas, a member from the "Peasant" party, emerged as the most frequent visitor to the parliamentary warehouse, spending over 6,500 euros on gifts alone in the past six months. He defended his spending by stating, "A small gift is better than a big thank you." He explained his approach: "If I attend an event and there are ten nominees, I congratulate not just one nominee, but all ten."

Parliamentary Vice-Speaker Domas Griškevičius acknowledged that constituents are aware that these gifts are funded by their taxes. He believes that while gifts are given, they are not the primary factor in voters' decisions when choosing a parliament member. The current regulations, outlined in the Seimas Statute, dictate how these funds can be used, and members are expected to adhere to them.

“

People are certainly not stupid and perfectly assess the situation. The fact that someone is rewarding them with various gifts, I don't think it's the main motive for later choosing one MP or another.

The allowance for parliamentary expenses has been rising annually, tied to the country's average wage growth. Currently, the monthly allowance for a member of parliament is around 2,000 euros, exceeding the average net salary in Lithuania, which is approximately 1,500 euros. Despite a proposal two years ago to reduce these expenses by about 200 euros per month, parliament members did not see the need for it then and have not revisited the issue. Several other MPs, including Martynas Katelynas and Agnė Jakavičiūtė-Miliauskienė, have also utilized their full allowances, with Katelynas citing extensive travel within his large electoral district.

“

The order is now described according to the Seimas Statute, i.e., what these funds can be spent on. We are guided by it.