Experts of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have recommended that Lithuania should continue with its structural reforms to achieve process, with a focus on fundamental restructuring of the education sector.
education reform
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The Lithuanian parliament on Thursday endorsed a state university network optimization plan that calls for leaving less than half of the country's current 14 universities. The Seimas passed the resolution in a vote of 77 to 6 with 31 abstentions.
Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaitė, who supported the ruling coalition's plans half a year ago, has changed her opinion and now criticizes the education system overhaul and some other reforms proposed by the government, Gitanas Nausėda, an adviser to SEB Bankas' president, said on Thursday.
Last October's general elections in Lithuania raised hopes for positive change, but the continuing state governance turmoil and the uncertainty of some reforms is already causing concern, President Dalia Grybauskaitė said on Thursday.
The implementation of Lithuania's key reforms in education, state-owned enterprises and labor relations is hampered by the government's lack of experience, President Dalia Grybauskaitė said on Wednesday.
Lithuania must overhaul its education system and use more high-tech solutions to maintain economic growth in the future, Danske Bank's chief economist for the Baltic countries said on Thursday.
The Lithuanian government's proposals to consolidate some of the country's universities will not necessarily solve all problems and ensure high-quality education, says Parliamentary Speaker Viktoras Pranckietis.
Lithuania should have two international-level universities and two technological universities after a planned reform of the current higher education system, a prime minister-appointed working group has decided.
Lithuanian Prime Minister Saulius Skvernelis expects that the Cabinet will next week decide on a plan for streamlining the network of scientific and educational institutions.
Some 63 percent of Lithuanians oppose plans of extending the academic year, while the number of those against is even higher among respondents with children of school age (72 pct), show a public opinion poll conducted by Vilmorus company.
A protest action was held outside the Education and Science Ministry in Vilnius on Monday against the government's plans to extend the duration of academic year.
Lithuanian politicians say that higher wages may stop Lithuanians from leaving their country, but businesses argue that such steps as revamping the education and tax systems and cutting back on the state bureaucracy might put emigration on a declining patch, the business daily Verslo Žinios reported...
Prime Minister Saulius Skvernelis describes disagreements between the government and lawmakers on the planned higher education reform as a serious situation, but says that the ruling Farmers and Greens Union (LFGU) is not facing a split.
