Previously, the Constitution established that persons aged at least 25 could stand as a candidates for the Seimas. Under the current legislation, candidates are allowed to run for and be elected to the European Parliament upon turning 21, and may run for the municipal council election upon having reached at least 18 years of age.
As previously noted by Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen, Speaker of the Seimas, the change brought about by the amendment will undoubtedly bring more pluralism and a greater range of opinions to our Parliament and allow for better and more balanced decisions in the long run. Besides, it will also ensure a more targeted representation of young people and a greater focus on youth policy issues on the agenda of the Seimas.
According to Marius Matijošaitis, the youngest Member of the Seimas, there is currently only one parlamentarian in the Seimas aged under 30. ‘The decision to allow our citizens to stand as candidates for the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania from the age of 21 will be not only a very clear symbol, but also a practical step allowing young people to understand and feel that their opinion is heard and appreciated,’ the politician said.
Under the Statute of the Seimas, the draft law amending the Constitution is considered adopted by the Seimas if at least 2/3 of the Members of the Seimas, i.e. 94 parliamentarians, vote in favour of the draft at each voting.
