Lithuanian president plans initiatives to lessen violence, corruption, strengthen child security

Lithuania's president proposed 15 law amendments on Monday to national and social security, children's rights, and the fight against corruption.

According to an announcement from President Dalia Grybauskaite's office, the Seimas, Lithuanian parliament, is to discuss the legal initiatives in its spring session.

The proposed amendments to children's rights come in the wake of recent fatal domestic violence incidents in the country. Changes to education laws to cut down on violence and abuse at schools are also being proposed.

The majority of the initiatives include amendments aimed at fighting corruption, amid scandals involving the cabinet members of the ruling Social Democrat-led government.

In recent weeks, Prime Minister Algirdas Butkevicius and environment minister Kestutis Treciokas have been questioned in the investigation into possible construction fraud.

"The president is to propose to substantially increase fines and charges for legalization of unauthorized construction works," said the announcement from the president's office.

Grybauskaite also proposed cracking down on fraud and tax evasion.

"In the future, the president will take initiatives on increasing the responsibility of persons whose wealth doesn't match their income," said the office.

The president's anti-corruption initiatives also include tackling election violations and restricting corrupt officials from public service. Endit