Causes, development and results of the semi-presidential system in Lithuania

Abstract

In 1992, Lithuania, similar to many European post-communist countries, and differently from its Baltic neighbours, Estonia and Latvia, chose a typical semi-presidential system of government. A logical question arises, why did Lithuania take a different path in relation to Latvia and Estonia? In other words, it is necessary to investigate the causes of this decision of the Lithuanian constitution-maker, which can help us to realize why and when such solutions are being pursued. Secondly, when that path was already chosen, almost thirty years ago, it is scientifically justified to investigate how this system of government works in practice. The answer to these questions shows us the origin of this choice, and the degree of its justification, as well as the elements on which its positive and negative sides depend.

Keywords

• lithuania
• semi-presidential system of government
• directly elected president
• government
• relations between the president and the government
• political elites
• political culture