The election platform of the Homeland Union - Lithuanian Conservatives "The New Wind" is presented as an entirely new document. It contains no links to, or explanations about, the results of the previously planned tasks or failed undertakings. The platform is presented in very general terms and confined to a description of values and goals without indicating specific steps to achieve them. The cornerstone of the platform is foreign policy and its priority - integration into the economic and military Euro-Atlantic structures.

The main objectives of the platform

Privatisation. Privatisation is mentioned indirectly by defining private property as "the basis of individual welfare and freedom." Recent proclamations from Prime Minister Kubilius and the general rhetoric of the Conservative Party suggest that privatisation will be continued.

Foreign policy. Foreign investments may be treated differently: while Western investors are likely to enjoy favours and privileges, discriminative attitudes may be displayed towards investors from the CIS countries. Also, investments from the West are likely to be treated more favourably than local investors. State investments are to be limited to those areas that "cannot be adequately addressed by private businesses alone."

Social policy. The Party has set defined a task of creating a private pension fund system. Drawing on the general rhetoric (Irena Degutienė), an increase in social insurance payments is not viewed as the most appropriate solution. It is recognised that social support depends directly on tax revenues, or on the state of the economy.

Currency and finance. The programme does not indicate any concrete provisions but the current position of the Conservative Party suggests that the present course will be continued. The party advocates "a foreseeable and consistent tax policy." Priority is likely to be given to financing national defence.

Foreign policy. Foreign policy is the bedrock of the Homeland Union's platform. The primary tasks - integration into the European Union and membership in NATO - are seen as the pivotal preconditions for the country's welfare, both in political and economic terms. The goal of the Conservatives is to join the EU with the first group of candidates (2004 - 2005) and NATO, with the second group of candidates (2002).

Structural reforms. The programme stresses the need to reform the energy sector. Although it does not specify how to achieve this, the initiated process of restructuring and privatisation of the energy sector will most likely be continued.

Agriculture. The need for establishing market relationships in the agricultural sector is recognised. Specific measures are not defined.

Business Conditions. The Homeland Union highlights the importance of creating favourable business conditions and reducing government involvement in business activities. In reducing bureaucratic constraints and rationalising the work of public governance institutions, special emphasis is placed on continuing the work of the Sunset and Sunrise Commissions (deregulation and de-bureaucratisation). The development of new technologies and e-businesses is promoted. There is much likelihood that these spheres will be defined as top priorities and treated more favourably than others. Various exemptions are also likely to be applied to exporting companies and "companies creating new jobs."

Policy Implications

The general rhetoric is in line with free market principles. Yet, practical decisions are often at odds with these principles. This is indicated by different treatment of economic entities depending on category of activity, number of employees, origin and amount of capital, etc. There is inconsistency between liabilities that are to be assumed by the state and intentions to decrease the tax burden. Too much importance is attached to the role of the state in the economy.