There is nothing strange in the fact that recently the chairwomen of the EAPL faction Rita Tamašunienė during the meeting of coalition factions in the Seimas, underlined that the development of tourism may by a successful investment into the economy of the state. But there are some problems. The situation of tourism in Lithuania has become rather difficult since the VAT on hotel services was increased from 9% to 21%. This factor has prevented from the development of the tourism sector and the quality of the services. Regrettably, this has a negative impact on the economy of Lithuania - after all, the developed tourism could significantly contribute to the growth of GDP of Lithuania.

In today's world, when the activity, progress, learning about nations and cultures appear to be among the basic needs of modern life, the development of the tourism sector should become the priority activity of our state. The nature of Lithuania is unique. There are at least 300 lakes, rivers, The Baltic Sea, historical cities such as Vilnius, Kaunas, Kernavė, health resorts, the Curonian Spit – the place which is referred to as a paradise on earth by tourist from all around the world! The development of the tourism sector may help our state to create the prestigious image in the European or even global context, to promote social interchange, to raise the values of freedom and tolerance among inhabitants.

The meaning of tourism is not stressed by the EAPL just by incident. After all, provision of tourism services is one of the most efficient sectors of economy providing stable financial situation of many developed states. The economy of Lithuania is in need of more dynamic growth. That is why even in its program provisions the party posited the activation of the tourism sector as the modern plan of GDP growth. As it can be seen, the EAPL implements its program consistently – the party already seeks to reduce the VAT on hotel services. We hope that such oriented political steps will bring a lot of success.

It has to be underlined, that thanks to transparent activity, the EAPL policy is being developed in different directions with a clear vision of the realisation of program provisions. It can be noticed that some other parties, which even before the elections to the Seimas have been abstractly talking about improving the lives of inhabitants, have somehow fell silent later or became the outsiders of political life, or, even worse, have focused on purely pragmatic projects which may by beneficial for a small group of people or individual representatives of the elite only. Meanwhile, the Electoral Action of Poles in Lithuania, though representing also the interests of national minorities, actively contributes to the creation of general welfare of all the citizens. The EAPL representatives pay special attention to the problems that harass lots of people and make them socially vulnerable. Already in its program provisions the party has stated that it is necessary to stop and prevent the impoverishment of people, as the financial situation of lots of citizens is so tense, that they are not able to meet even their essential needs such as buying food.

High food prices in Lithuania are the sign of real humiliation and lack of respect for people who have to work hard for long hours in order to be able to buy just small quantities of food. Many families having several children, disabled people, seniors, and often even active people able to work are condemned to poverty. This way the value of human life is completely degraded and limited. The citizens suffer from hunger not only literally, but also in spiritual sense, as they are deprived of optimism and joy of life. Fortunately the EAPL party protects the human honour and dignity, as it considers each individual as unique inhabitant who has the right to a wholesome existence. That is why the chairwoman of the EAPL faction Rita Tamašunienė during the meeting of coalition factions on 6th May has presented the position of the EAPL stating that VAT reliefs on the goods of first necessity (cereals, milk, meat, vegetables, fruits, eggs) are a must. Food prices must go down, as now food in Lithuania is more expensive than e.g. in the United Kingdom, Spain, Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary. Moreover, the quality of food differs between different states. It should be noted, that in many other countries fruits and vegetables are much fresher and tastier than those sold in Lithuania. But the prices are almost the same. It seems that such situation leads to the discrimination of consumers of our country and such discrimination must be eliminated for sure.

Therefore it is clear, that the tax system reform posited by the EAPL and foreseen VAT reliefs are a large step towards ensuring stable financial situation of the state and reducing the risk of poverty. This is also without a doubt another great opportunity to make sure that the EAPL representatives honestly do what they have promised, have a clear vision of their activity and do not bring disappointment, but decisive actions.

EAPL Press Office

l24.lt