A pre-election battle is already in full swing in Lithuania: political parties are looking for partners in the march to the parliament, coalitions are being formed, promises of a better life are being dispensed. For the people, an election year is special as well. Hopes and expectations mount, resonating with renewed faith and confidence.

Seeking to help politicians and voters not to mistake in promising and believing, the Lithuanian Free Market Institute has written and published a “handbook” for future members of parlament and their voters, entitled Knyga 2000-2004 Seimo nariams ir rinkėjams. The book was presented on June 20.

The aim of the book is to inspire pre-election debates about values, goals and ways to achieve these goals as well as to stimulate immediate, viable changes after the elections.

The publication presents analysis of pressing problems of in economic and social policy areas, as well as defines clear and consistent principles for developing workable reform strategies and techniques. It offers concrete solutions to today’s problems and an assessment of various policies conducted to date.

The book will be a valuable guide for political parties, helping to formulate a coherent, realistic action plan for the achievement of prosperity, fairness, and efficiency. It also serves to educate voters so that they are better-equipped to judge how realistic and reliable electoral promises are.

The book covers many key areas of economic and social policy, life and property protection, health care, state governance and public administration, EU integration, and the legislative process. It tells us how to privatise without scandal, how to ease the tax burden, how to remove distortionary, loss-making taxes, how to help employers and employees. The publication also uncovers barriers that stymie business activities, explains what kind of litas is the best for the Lithuanian people, and how to ensure a safe and comfortable retirement. It also scrutinises the problems in the areas of transportation, housing, poverty prevention, and culture.