SUPREME COUNCIL OF THE REPUBLIC OF

LAW

ON THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF LITHUANIA

Chapter 1

General Provisions

Article 1. The Government of the Republic of Lithuania shall be the highest institution of governance of the Lithuanian State. Executive power of the Republic of Lithuania shall be vested in the Government of the Republic of Lithuania. It shall be the highest institution of governance of the Lithuanian State. The Government of the Republic of Lithuania shall be vested with the right to resolve all questions of state government if, in accordance with the Constitution (Provisional Basic Law) of Lithuania, they are not assigned to the competence of the Supreme Council of the Republic of Lithuania, its Presidium, or the President of the Supreme Council of the Republic of Lithuania. Pursuant to the laws of the Republic of Lithuania and other resolutions of the Supreme Council of the Republic of Lithuania, the Government shall adopt resolutions, issue directives, and organize and supervise their enforcement. Resolutions and directives of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania shall be enforceable on the whole territory of the Republic.

Article 2. Main Directions of Activity of the Government of Lithuania

Within the limits of its powers, the Government of Lithuania shall: (1) concern itself with the preservation and increase of the property of the Republic and guarantee freedom of economic activity to all subjects of property, types of ownership, and their equality in rights; (2) implement the policy of national security and direct national defense; (3) address economic questions, guiding itself by the principles of economic management and the laws of market economy while also taking into consideration the interests of the people; (4) implement national scientific-technological policy and address questions related to state management of scientific- technological progress; (5) work out conceptions and programmes for the development of Lithuania's economy; (6) strive to ensure social justice and to ensure that the income of each individual depends upon social value of work; (7) ensure conditions for the improvement of living standards and for satisfying cultural and spiritual requirements of the population; (8) implement comprehensive health-care policy; (9) develop commodity and money relations and also economic ties with other states on the basis of contracts; (10) ensure rational utilization and preservation of natural resources, and also the protection of the population and environment; (11) ensure the enforcement of law and protection of public order, and defend the rights and freedoms of citizens; (12) within the limits of its powers conduct foreign policy; and (13) propose legislation to the Supreme Council of the Republic of Lithuania.

Article 3. Basic Principles of Activity of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania

In its activities the Government of the Republic of Lithuania shall: be bound by the Constitution (Provisional Basic Law) of Lithuania and other laws of the Republic of Lithuania; proceed from the principles of democracy, lawfulness and public benefit; ensure openness of its activity; collectively consider questions, pass decisions and ensure personal responsibility of the members of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania.

Article 4. Composition of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania

The Order of Formation of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania The Government of the Republic of Lithuania shall be composed of the Chairman of the Government (Prime Minister) of the Republic of Lithuania, his deputies, and ministers of the Republic of Lithuania. The Government of the Republic of Lithuania may have a minister without portfolio. (Amended 22 January 1991) Only citizens of the Republic of Lithuania shall be eligible to the office of the member of the Government. Members of the Government shall be appointed for no longer than two consecutive terms. The Chairman of the Government (Prime Minister) of the Republic of Lithuania shall be appointed by the Supreme Council of the Republic of Lithuania upon the recommendation of the President of the Supreme Council of the Republic of Lithuania. Upon the recommendation of the Chairman of the Government (Prime Minister) of the Republic of Lithuania, taking into consideration the conclusions of the standing committees of the Supreme Council of the Republic of Lithuania, the Supreme Council of the Republic of Lithuania shall appoint or remove from their respective posts members of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania. (Amended 23 October 1990) Upon refusal of the Supreme Council of the Republic of Lithuania to appoint the recommended candidate to the post of a member of the Government, the Chairman of the Government (Prime Minister) of the Republic of Lithuania shall recommend to the Supreme Council of the Republic of Lithuania a new candidate to the post. (Amended 23 October 1990) The Supreme Council of the Republic of Lithuania shall form the Government of the Republic of Lithuania no later than within a month from the handing over of the mandate by the previous Government. If within a month from the recommendation of candidates to the members of the Government the Supreme Council does not appoint two-thirds of the members of the Government, or if within two months from the handing over of the mandate by the previous Government the Supreme Council does not appoint all the members of the Government, the Prime Minister shall resign. (Amended 23 October 1990)

Article 5. The Program of Activity of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania

The newly formed Government of the Republic of Lithuania shall present the programme of its future activities for its term of office for the consideration and approval of the Supreme Council of the Republic of Lithuania.

Article 6. Handing over the Mandate of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania

The Government of the Republic of Lithuania shall hand over its mandate to the newly elected Supreme Council of the Republic of Lithuania. Upon the decision of the Supreme Council of the Republic of Lithuania the Government of the Republic of Lithuania shall continue to execute its powers until the formation of a new Government of the Republic of Lithuania.

Article 6a. Swearing in of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania

Newly appointed members of the Government shall take the following oath: "I, (full name), in your presence, Swear to be faithful to the Republic of Lithuania; Swear to respect and observe its laws, to protect the integrity of its territories; Swear to the best of my ability to strengthen the independence of Lithuania, conscientiously serve my Homeland, Democracy, and the well-being of the people of Lithuania. So help me God." The oath may be taken omitting the last sentence. (Amended 11 April 1990)

Article 7. Responsibility and Accountability of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania

The Government of the Republic of Lithuania shall be responsible and accountable to the Supreme Council of the Republic of Lithuania. Members of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania shall be responsible in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Lithuania. The Government of the Republic of Lithuania shall account for its work to the Supreme Council of the Republic of Lithuania at least once a year. Upon the decision of the Supreme Council of the Republic of Lithuania a member of the Government shall account to the Council for his work. (Amended 23 October 1990) Upon receiving from a deputy of the Supreme Council of the Republic of Lithuania an inquiry concerning the activity of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania or bodies subordinate to it, the Government of the Republic of Lithuania or the minister to whom the inquiry is addressed at the session of the Supreme Council of the Republic of Lithuania shall make an oral or written reply in accordance with the procedure established by the Supreme Council of the Republic of Lithuania. During the session of the Supreme Council of the Republic of Lithuania members of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania shall assign one hour a week to answering questions of deputies on current issues. The Government of the Republic of Lithuania shall consider recommendations of committees of the Supreme Council of the Republic of Lithuania and also proposals relating to actions of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania or bodies subordinate to it, and inform them within the established time period of the results or actions effected to improve the activities.

Article 8. The Right of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania to Resign

The Government of the Republic of Lithuania shall have the right to announce its resignation to the Supreme Council of the Republic of Lithuania if it deems itself not competent to implement the programme of activities of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania. Every minister of the Republic of Lithuania shall have the right to resign. Upon the resignation of the Chairman of the Government (Prime Minister) of the Republic of Lithuania, the entire Government of the Republic of Lithuania shall hand over its mandate. Upon its resignation the Government of the Republic of Lithuania at the behest of the Supreme Council shall continue to exercise its functions until the new Government of the Republic of Lithuania is formed. (Amended 23 October 1990)

Article 9. Non-confidence in the Government of the Republic of Lithuania

The Supreme Council of the Republic of Lithuania may issue a vote of no confidence to the Government of the Republic of Lithuania or to one individual member of the Government. (Amended 9 January 1991) The decision of no confidence in the Government of the Republic of Lithuania shall be passed by a majority vote of the total number of deputies by secret ballot. (Amended 9 January 1991) Upon the issuance of a vote of no confidence the entire Government of the Republic of Lithuania or an individual minister of the Republic of Lithuania shall resign. The Government of the Republic of Lithuania or the minister at the behest of the Supreme Council shall continue to exercise their respective functions until a new Government of the Republic of Lithuania is formed or a new member of the Government is appointed. (Amended 9 January 1991)

Article 10. Participation of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania in the work of the Supreme Council of the Republic of Lithuania

The Chairman of the Government (Prime Minister) of the Republic of Lithuania and members of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania shall be entitled to take part in the sessions of the Supreme Council of the Republic of Lithuania, in the sittings of committees of the Supreme Council of the Republic of Lithuania, and to convey their opinion on issues under discussion.

Article 11. Social Guarantees of the Members of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania

Members of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania shall be afforded equal social guarantees and shall not be entitled to social privileges. Upon the reorganisation of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania or resignation of the entire Government or of its individual members, and also upon the expiration of the term of office of the members of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania, social guarantees prescribed by a separate law shall be applicable to them.

Article 12. Prohibition for Members of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania to Engage in Economic Activities

Members of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania shall be prohibited from engaging in commercial-economic activity and to take part in the management of economic organisations.

Chapter 2

The Powers of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania

Article 13. General Questions within the Limits of Powers of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania

Within the limits of its powers the Government of the Republic of Lithuania shall: (1) implement the domestic and foreign policy of the Lithuanian State; (2) direct the bodies of national defense and of state and civilian security; (3) implement economic and social development programmes, and create conditions for the functioning of local governments; (4) prepare the draft budget of the Republic of Lithuania and, upon its approval, implement it; (5) define the functions of the ministries of the Republic of Lithuania and bodies subordinate to them, determine and enforce their budgets, and control and coordinate their activities; (6) organise control over the enforcement of laws of the Republic of Lithuania and exercise control over the implementation of Government instructions.

Article 14. Basic Powers of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania in the Spheres of Social Maintenance, Education, Science, Culture, and Health Care

The Government of the Republic of Lithuania shall:

(1) effect measures guaranteeing the minimum standard of living and minimum wage corresponding to the current level of economic development; (2) implement state policies regulating population migration, protection of the family, and provision of mother-and- child care; (3) strive to ensure the employment of all employable people in the Republic, and guarantee safe and secure labour conditions and favourable conditions for rest; (4) implement a general policy of social security, and introduce measures to improve health care and to develop physical education and sports; (5) ensure economic conditions and possibilities for all citizens of the Republic to receive the education they desire, and to acquire their chosen profession or qualifications in accordance with the needs of the Republic; (6) promote the development of science in the Republic, and concern itself with the preservation of Lithuanian and ethnic- minority heritage, including Lithuanian communities residing abroad; and (7) implement measures to supply the population with foodstuffs and manufactured goods and also with services and housing.

Article 15. Basic Powers of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania in the Economy

The Government of the Republic of Lithuania shall: (1) on the instruction of the Supreme Council of the Republic of Lithuania carry out the functions of the owner of Sate property, and ensure conditions necessary for the development of private and collective ownership; (2) regulate by economic and legal means the functioning of all branches of the economy and the activity of all subjects of ownership on the territory of the Republic of Lithuania; (3) establish rational proportions between the use of national revenue and the development of the economy, and coordinate and implement the programme of economic and social development of the Republic; (4) prepare the draft budget of the Lithuanian State, establish the order of price formation, and implement general policy of remuneration for work; (5) within the limits of its powers adopt resolutions on the implementation of state policy in the sphere of currency circulation and credits; (6) organise and regulate the international economic activity of the Republic of Lithuania; (7) in accordance with its powers issue permits for economic activity and licenses, and fix quotas and customs duties; (8) coordinate economic cooperation with Baltic and other states; and (9) be responsible for the management of natural resources of the Republic in accordance with the established limits and norms. (Amended 17 July 1990)

Article 16. Basic Powers of the Republic of Lithuania in Law Enforcement

The Government of the Republic of Lithuania shall: (1) effect measures to ensure the rights and freedoms of citizens, safeguard state interests, and maintain public order; (2) exercise control over the observance of laws by the ministries of the Republic of Lithuania and other bodies under the jurisdiction of the Government, and determine basic trends of legislation in the ; and (3) concern itself with the perfection of legal regulation of the spheres of economy and social welfare.

Article 17. Basic Powers of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania in National Defence

In accordance with its powers, the Government of the Republic of Lithuania shall implement measures to ensure national defence, organise national defence services, and control their activity.

Article 18. Basic Powers of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania in Foreign Policy

The Government of the Republic of Lithuania shall:

(1) conclude treaties with foreign states and international organisations and enforce measures to ensure their implementation; (2) develop relations between the Republic of Lithuania and foreign states and international organisations; (3) submit proposals to the Supreme Council of the Republic of Lithuania to establish diplomatic missions of the Republic of Lithuanian in foreign states, and to establish foreign diplomatic missions in the Republic; and (4) in accordance with its powers represent the Republic of Lithuania in international relations.

Chapter 3

Relations of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania with other Governing Bodies

Article 19. Relations of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania with Administrative Bodies of Local Government

In accordance with its powers the Government of the Republic of Lithuania shall:

(1) monitor the local governments' implementation of the laws of the Republic of Lithuania and of the directives of the Government; (2) have the right to suspend and protest the decisions of upper local governments at the council of those respective local governments, if said decisions contradict the Constitution (Provisional Basic Law) of the Republic of Lithuania or other laws of the Republic; in the event of a dispute the final decision on the issue shall rest with the Council of the Republic of Lithuania; (3) organise jointly with local governments the management of objects of state importance (industrial infrastructure); and (4) establish general directions of the development of social welfare, health care, education and culture. (Amended 17 July 1990)

Article 20. Administration of Ministries of the Republic of Lithuania and other Bodies under the Jurisdiction of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania

The Government of the Republic of Lithuania shall: (1) direct the work of ministries of the Republic of Lithuania and committees of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania, and guide and control the performance of Government services and inspectorates of the Republic of Lithuania; (2) submit proposals to the Supreme Council of the Republic of Lithuania on the establishment, reorganisation, and abolition of ministries of the Republic of Lithuania; (3) as needed, establish Government services, inspectorates of the Republic of Lithuania, and Government committees of the Republic of Lithuania, and also effect reorganisation and abolition of such bodies; and (4) approve regulations for the ministries of the Republic of Lithuania, state services, inspectorates, and Government committees of the Republic of Lithuania. (Amended 23 October 1990)

Article 21. Ministries of the Republic of Lithuania

Ministries of the Republic of Lithuania shall be central bodies of executive power. Ministries of the Republic of Lithuania shall be headed by ministers of the Republic of Lithuania who shall be personally responsible for the fulfillment of tasks assigned to their respective ministries. Ministries of the Republic of Lithuania, in accordance with their powers, shall give effect to the Government policy and also, on the basis of laws of the Republic of Lithuania and resolutions and directives of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania, shall be in charge of the spheres of administration entrusted to them, and exercise control over the enforcement of the said resolutions and directives. Further responsibilities of ministries of the Republic of Lithuania shall include the provision of forecasts for the development of their respective spheres of activity, study of world standards and conditions, drawing up of programmes for scientific-technological progress, and concern for the social security and training of their respective personnel. Ministries of the Republic of Lithuania within the limits of their powers shall adopt laws and other acts.

Article 22. Government Services and Inspectorates of the Republic of Lithuania

For the solution of questions related to state administration, organisation of sectors of the economy and other issues not assigned to the functions of ministries, the Government of the Republic of Lithuania shall set up Government services and inspectorates of the Republic of Lithuania. Government services and inspectorates of the Republic of Lithuania in accordance with their powers shall control the enforcement of laws of the Republic of Lithuania and the implementation of resolutions of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania.

Article 23. Government Committees of the Republic of Lithuania

The Government of the Republic of Lithuania shall have the right to appoint, when it is deemed necessary, standing and ad hoc committees composed of ministers of the Republic of Lithuania, scientists, and specialists in appropriate spheres. The work of the committees shall be presided over by the Chairman of the Government (Prime Minister) of the Republic of Lithuania, the Deputy Prime Minister, a minister of the Republic of Lithuania appointed by the Government or, on certain occasions, other persons.

Article 24. Control Exercised by the Government of the Republic of Lithuania over the Bodies under its Jurisdiction

The Government of the Republic of Lithuania shall exercise control over the activities of ministries of the Republic of Lithuania and other bodies under its jurisdiction. The Government of the Republic of Lithuania shall have the right to repeal acts of ministries of the Republic of Lithuania and other bodies under its jurisdiction if they contradict laws of the Republic of Lithuania, or resolutions and directives of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania. The Government of the Republic of Lithuania may impose disciplinary penalties upon ministries of the Republic of Lithuania.

Chapter 4

List of Ministries of the Republic of Lithuania

Article 25. The Ministries of the Republic of Lithuania shall be as follows: (Amended 3 April 1990) Ministry of Economy; Ministry of Energy; Ministry of Finance; Ministry of Culture and Education; Ministry of Material Supply; Ministry of Forestry; Ministry of Industry; Ministry of Commerce; Ministry of Communications; Ministry of Construction and Urban Planning; Ministry of Social Security; Ministry of Health; Ministry of Justice; Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Ministry of Internal Affairs; Ministry of Agriculture. (Amended 3 April 1990)

Chapter 5

Organisation of the Work of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania

Article 26. Sessions of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania

Sessions of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania shall be held when it is deemed necessary. Sessions of the government of the Republic of Lithuania shall be considered valid if attended by no less than half of the Government members. Decisions at sessions of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania shall be adopted by a majority vote of the Government members. In the event of a tie, the vote of the Chairman of the Government (Prime Minister) of the Republic of Lithuania is decisive.

Article 27. Issues Resolved at Sessions of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania

At sessions of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania issues related to the execution of state policy shall be resolved, and programmes of economic and social development of the Republic and the draft budget of the Lithuanian State and their implementation shall be considered. Such sessions shall also consider the enforcement of laws of the Republic of Lithuania and directives of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania.

Article 28. The Chairman of the Government (Prime Minister) of the Republic of Lithuania.

The Government of the Republic of Lithuania shall be headed and its activity shall be coordinated by the Chairman of the Government (Prime Minister) of the Republic of Lithuania. The Chairman of the Government (Prime Minister) of the Republic of Lithuania shall represent the Government of the Republic of Lithuania. The Chairman of the Government (Prime Minister) of the Republic of Lithuania shall: (1) form the composition of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania and within the established time limit submit appropriate proposals to the Supreme Council of the Republic of Lithuania; (2) submit proposals on the reorganisation of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania to the Supreme Council of the Republic of Lithuania; (3) conduct and preside over the sessions of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania; (4) appoint and dismiss from office deputy ministers of the Republic of Lithuania, heads of Government services, and inspectorates of the Republic of Lithuania and their respective deputies; (5) in cases of emergency adopt decisions on issues related to state government within the limits of the powers of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania, and notify the Government at the regular sessions; and (6) impose disciplinary penalties on deputy ministers of the Republic of Lithuania, heads of Government services, inspectorates, and also on their respective deputies. In the event of a disagreement between members of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania on fundamental questions pertaining to the activity of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania, the Chairman of the Government (Prime Minister) of the Republic of Lithuania shall have the right to submit to the Supreme Council of the Republic of Lithuania proposals concerning changes in designation of certain members of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania or resignation of the entire Government and formation of a new Government of the Republic of Lithuania. When the Chairman of the Government (Prime Minister) of the Republic of Lithuania is absent the duties of the Chairman of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania shall be discharged by one of his deputies.

Article 29. Resolutions and Directives of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania

Standard decisions or decisions urgent for the economy of the Republic shall be issued in the form of resolutions. Resolutions of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania shall be published in "The Official Reports," and, when necessary, in the mass media. Decisions on urgent and current issues shall be published in the form of directives of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania. Directives of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania shall be signed by the Chairman of the Government (Prime Minister) of the Government of Lithuania. (Amended 23 October 1990) Resolutions of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania shall be signed by the Chairman of the Government (Prime Minister) of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania or his deputies.

Article 30. The Organisational Structure of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania

The organisational structure of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania shall be headed by one of the deputies of the Chairman of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania (Prime Minister) or by a minister without portfolio. (Amended 22 January 1991) The organisational structure of the Government and its functions shall be approved by the Chairman of the Government (Prime Minister) of the Republic of Lithuania. (Amended 22 January 1991) With the aim of providing consultations for the Chairman of the Government (Prime Minister) of the Republic of Lithuania and members of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania on important issues of state government and economic management, the posts of advisers to the Government and experts shall be included in the list of staff members. (Amended 22 January 1991) Advisers to the Government shall be appointed and dismissed from office by the Chairman of the Government (Prime Minister) of the Republic of Lithuania. The functioning of organisations and various parties and public movements within the organisational structure of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania shall not be permitted.

Vytautas Landsbergis

President Supreme Council Republic of Lithuania

22 March 1990 No. I-61