"Small and medium-sized enterprises are at the foundation of the Lithuanian economy and it is therefore important to ensure that they operate in a transparent and fair environment. Businesses face various challenges on a daily basis and we want to create a clearer complaints system that will help address these issues and facilitate growth and development," said L. Savickas, Minister of the Economy and Innovation.
It is proposed to implement the functions of the Small and Medium Business Ombudsman by appointing a third Seimas Ombudsman. The new ombudsman would be responsible not only for examining complaints, but also for proposing amendments to legislation to remove restrictions on the rights of businesses and to prevent over-regulation and administrative burdens. The ombudsman would only make such a recommendation, suggesting changes to the legal framework, when he or she examines complaints and finds legal loopholes that hinder business freedom or systemic problems in the application of the law.
There are already several institutions and organisations in Lithuania that deal with complaints about the business environment. These include the Seimas Ombudsman's Office, the Council for Small and Medium Enterprises, the Office of Government Representatives, the Solvit Centre and the Innovation Agency. However, they either deal only with complaints of a general nature or do not have direct powers to address the concerns of businesses. The new ombudsman would fill the existing gap and strengthen the protection of business interests.
The draft law also provides that the Seimas Ombudsman would have the right to make proposals to the government to amend legislation if it restricts the rights of businesses. According to this proposal, such proposals should be discussed at government meetings, thus ensuring that issues raised by the business community are addressed at the highest level of government.
It is hoped that this draft law will help to create a more transparent and business-friendly regulatory framework, strengthen legal protection and contribute to the development of small and medium-sized enterprises in Lithuania.
