The article focuses on the budget deliberation processes within the City Administration of Kaunas, Lithuania. It highlights that the mayor and the administration outline the budget for the upcoming year, having already allocated funds for planned activities, leaving little room for opposition proposals. Although opposition members can formally suggest their ideas, they are constrained by the existing funding, meaning they must vote on which activities to cut before new proposals can be considered. This system effectively limits the influence of opposition members, as they often hear that there is no money available for their suggestions, despite them potentially being beneficial for the community.

A specific instance highlighted is that out of an 834.8 million euro budget, only a mere 58,000 euros were allocated for community facilities rental. This points to a critical situation where valuable proposals from the opposition are dismissed on financial grounds. The article questions who truly decides the future of Kaunas and its residents when the principles and processes of budget formation remain unchanged. The lack of funds for opposition proposals under the current system suggests a significant disconnect between municipal governance and community needs.

To address these issues, the article suggests potential changes in budget formation practices, advocating for the inclusion of representatives from all factions in the budgeting process. It emphasizes the necessity of evaluating all proposals, including those from the opposition, and ensures that essential initiatives receive appropriate funding. By implementing these changes, the governance in Kaunas could become more inclusive and responsive to the needs of its citizens, therefore fostering a more balanced democratic process.