People are tired of political promises without clear responsibility for delivering them.
That was the message from Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen, leader of ALDE Party member Liberalų Sąjūdis, as the party gathered its council on 24 October to present its municipal election programme and mayoral candidates ahead of Lithuania’s March 2027 local elections.
Under the campaign slogan “Responsibly. For you”, the party plans to field candidate lists in 49 municipalities, with a programme focused on giving local authorities more freedom to make decisions while ensuring elected leaders remain accountable.
“Our answer is more freedom for municipalities to make decisions and clear accountability. Before making promises, we need to know what they will cost, how we will deliver them and who will take the lead,” Čmilytė-Nielsen said.
More control over local money
A central proposal is to give municipalities greater control over their finances. Liberalų Sąjūdis wants local authorities to retain a larger share of tax revenue and have more say over local taxes and fees, giving them greater freedom to set priorities and respond to the needs of their communities.
The programme also aims to give residents a more direct role in local decisions through participatory budgeting and closer dialogue with elected representatives. Greater transparency in public procurement and urban planning would make it easier for people to scrutinise decisions and hold local authorities to account.
Beyond local finances, the programme covers education, business innovation and support for young families, alongside proposals to improve public transport, expand access to culture and bring healthcare closer to residents.
Accountability at every level
The party argues that greater freedom must come with responsibility - not only in municipalities, but also at national level. As Lithuania prepares its 2027–2029 state budget, Liberalų Sąjūdis says the country must secure the funding needed for defence while planning wider public spending responsibly.
“The funding necessary for Lithuania’s defence must be secured, but that does not remove the obligation to plan other state spending responsibly,” Čmilytė-Nielsen said.
The council adopted a resolution calling for responsible public finances and a clear plan to reduce the deficit and public debt. The party also criticised the government’s budget proposal, arguing that rising debt must be matched by a sustainable plan for meeting future commitments.
With candidates lined up in 49 municipalities, Liberalų Sąjūdis is taking its local agenda across Lithuania. Liberals hope that giving communities more say over their future can turn into real momentum at the ballot box in March 2027.
*Contributed to by Cathal Kennedy, Communications Trainee