The article discusses the issue of closed governance in Kaunas, Lithuania, suggesting that decisions regarding historical memory, new constructions in the Old Town, and the city budget are made by a narrow group without input from citizens or experts. The author argues that this approach leads to a governance system that is disconnected from the community, undermining the democratic process and limiting public engagement in vital municipal issues.

Furthermore, the piece highlights the 'inverted power pyramid' characteristic of Kaunas, where legislative and executive powers are reversed. Here, power is concentrated primarily in the hands of the mayor and administration, with no public proposals being accepted in city council meetings. This reflects a troubling trend in governance where decisions are pre-determined behind closed doors, thereby excluding wider participation from community representatives and local experts.

Notably, the article points out that throughout the current session of the city council, not a single proposal prepared by the administration has been altered or rejected, indicating a severe lack of checks and balances. All proposals presented by the administration have been automatically accepted by the council, illustrating a significant disconnect from democratic practices and the need for reforms to encourage greater civic engagement in the governance of Kaunas.