President criticizes efforts to solve education problems

Lithuania’s president says education has too many problems and is openly questioning whether the minister responsible is solving them. He has not yet said whether he trusts the minister, but plans to meet her in the near future.

The president’s criticism focuses partly on the growing administrative burden placed on teachers. He says the demands are driving some teachers out of the profession, adding pressure to an education system already facing problems.

He also rejects any easing of expectations for students. In his view, schools should maintain stricter requirements for academic results rather than lower them.

The president further pointed to a promise on teachers’ salaries. He said teachers’ pay should reach 130% of the country’s average wage and that this commitment must be honored.