New parliament starts working

"The newly-elected Seimas is starting working at a special time when thousands of citizens cannot lead their normal lives due to the fast-spreading pandemic and must come to terms with a new reality. It is setting special requirements and tasks for the new Seimas," MP Antanas Vinkus who started the parliament's first sitting said, addressing his colleagues.

Under the Statute of the Seimas, the eldest lawmaker chairs the Seimas' first sitting until its speaker is elected, and Vinkus, 77, chairs the sitting on Friday.

"People of Lithuania are waiting not only for swift and wise decisions but also for decency and respect for each other. People need simple, honest and immediate attention. The Seimas can and must prove that, through the example of its own work, it can help every Lithuanian citizen to be stronger, happier and capable of successfully creating and working for their homeland," Vinkus said.

The new Seimas has already been welcomed by President Gitanas Nauseda and Vilnius Archbishop Gintras Grusas, and now the swearing-in ceremony will follow.

Newly-elected lawmakers will assume their mandates after taking an oath to be loyal to the republic of Lithuania. MPs will be sworn in by Dainius Zalimas, president of the Constitutional Court.