Recent Events and Developments in Lithuania
In May 2004 Lithuania along with 9 other states joined the EU to usher in a new economic era. In June Valdas Adamkus was re-elected Lithuania?s president whereas Algirdas Brazauskas continued in the PM?s chair following the general elections.
Confirming with EU member admittance requirements Lithuania shut down its Ignalina nuclear power station in December 2004 and the second one would close down by 2009. The Economics minister Viktor Uspaskich resigned following allegations over the misconduct of his business dealings.
Following the withdrawal of the Labour Party from the ruling coalition the Lithuanian PM Algirdas Brazauskas resigned and was replaced by the president?s nominee Gediminia Kirkilas.
Lithuania suffered a setback in 2006 when its request to join the Euro Zone was turned down due to its high inflation rate. In 2008 the Lithuanian parliament banned any display of Soviet and Nazi symbols in an attempt to wipe out the troubled events of its past history.
Parliamentary elections took place in October 2008 in which the conservative Homeland Union Party emerged as the largest party relegating the incumbent PM?s Social Democrats into second place. Following this victory Andrius Kubilius of Homeland union was appointed the new PM of Lithuania.
View Lithuania News
View Lithuania News
