New Government Initiative: Will the Ministry of the Interior Change Its Name?
Lithuanian officials are proposing to rename the Ministry of the Interior to better focus on regional issues within the government.
Povilas Saulevičius, an advisor to the Lithuanian Prime Minister, announced on social media that the current government, under the leadership of I. Ruginienė, aims to prioritize regional issues. He suggested that in order to adequately focus on this matter, it is unnecessary to create separate institutions or ministries. Instead, he emphasized that the biggest issue lies not in the number of institutions but in fragmented decision-making and divided responsibilities across different sectors.
Saulevičius pointed out that rather than establishing a new structure, the existing system should be strengthened. He proposed concentrating regional policy in one center while expanding the competencies of the Ministry of the Interior. By doing so, the government could effectively address regional governance without the need for a separate ministry. Furthermore, Saulevičius highlighted that the model should reflect a merging of functions within the Ministry of the Interior, which could potentially lead to more coherent governance and reduced political fragmentation.
This initiative reflects a growing awareness among Lithuanian leaders about the importance of localized governance and effective regional policy implementation. As Lithuania continues to address various challenges, it is crucial for the government to ensure that its ministries and their functions align with the evolving needs of its regions, thus allowing for better resource allocation and coordination among different sectors.