Amendments stipulate that requirements of the Law on Public Procurement should not be applied to political parties if procurement is carried out not from the state budget funds.
The head of state noted that the highest level of publicity and transparency should apply to political parties, whereas the amendments could result in corruption and open a path for underground funding. Furthermore, the amendments contradict the public interest to ensure transparent activity of parties and the use of funds, and are incompatible with the legislation of the European Union.
After warnings by the European Commission due to exceptions for political, Lithuania already had to urgently mend the Law on Public Procurement, the president said. Thus, if exceptions take effect, procedure against legal transgression might be initiated again.
