DirectDemocracyS

World Organization for Direct Democracy

POLITICAL PROGRAM

LITHUANIANS

2025–2030

Political, Economic, Financial and Social Program True democracy — not once every four years. Every day.

Compiled based on a detailed country analysis and DDS principles

The program is prepared in Lithuanian | www.directdemocracys.org

FOREWORD: DDS PRINCIPLES AND VISION FOR LITHUANIA

DirectDemocracyS (DDS) is a global political organization based on a radically new model of governance. We don't just propose reforms: we propose a complete transformation of the system, based on logic, common sense, studies, reality, truth, consistency, and mutual respect.

BASIC PRINCIPLES OF DDS

► The wealth and power of the nation belong exclusively and forever to the people of the nation — not to oligarchs, not to parties, not to international corporations

► True democracy means daily, direct, competent, rapid, safe and secure participation

► Decisions are made by groups of specialists, supported by DDS artificial intelligence (ddsAI) and the allddsAI system

► Every citizen is informed neutrally, completely and independently of media manipulation

► Fractional microgroup model (1→5→25→125→625) ensures broad participation and quick decisions

► Three-code identity verification guarantees security and the authenticity of every vote

► Imperative mandate and recall mechanism eliminate elite arbitrariness

► Lithuania and Lithuanians decide for themselves about their country — with full transparency and accountability

This program is an in-depth analysis of the current state of Lithuania and a comprehensive roadmap for the transformation to authentic direct democracy. It covers all aspects of governance, economy, finance, social policy, healthcare, education, environment, defense, and culture — with concrete solutions, examples, and expected outcomes.

 

I. CURRENT STATE OF LITHUANIA: CRITICAL ANALYSIS

1.1 Political Situation after the 2024 Elections

The October 2024 parliamentary elections significantly changed the political map of Lithuania. The Social Democratic Party (LSDP) won 52 out of 141 seats, becoming the largest parliamentary group. The right-wing joint ruling coalition — the Homeland Union and two liberal parties — suffered a crushing defeat: the Homeland Union lost more than 20 seats. Former Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė lost power.

Party / Faction	Results 2024
Social Democrats (LSDP)	52 mandates — ruling party
Homeland Union (TS-LKD)	28 seats — opposition (previously 50)
Nemunas (PPNA)	20 mandates — coalition partner
Democratic Union (DSVL)	14 mandates — coalition partner
Other parties	27 seats — distributed
Ruling coalition in total	86 seats out of 141

The new coalition — LSDP, PPNA (Nemunas — a newly founded nationalist populist party) and DSVL — is characterized by instability and ideological contradictions. Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas is already facing criticism for breaking promises, and polls show declining voter satisfaction.

CRITICISM OF DDS: SYSTEMIC DEFICIENCIES

✗ Lack of real democracy: voters vote once every 4 years, then lose all control

✗ Parliamentarians are not accountable to voters: there is no imperative mandate

✗ Coalition formation takes place without the knowledge or consent of citizens — in secret negotiations

✗ Party financing and lobbying fundamentally violate the principles of democracy

✗ 48% of Lithuanians believe that the government is doing a poor job of fighting corruption (Eurobarometer 2021)

✗ Parliament, courts, municipalities and political parties — the most corrupt institutions according to the population

✗ The intertwining of presidential and government powers creates an imbalance in executive power

1.2 Economic Situation: Growth without Inequality

Lithuania has achieved impressive economic growth over the past two decades, one of the highest in the EU. However, this growth is very unevenly distributed. Gross domestic product is growing, but social exclusion, income inequality and regional disparities remain among the highest in the EU.

Indicator	2024–2025 Data
GDP growth 2024–2025	About 3.5% — one of the highest in the euro area
Average gross salary 2025	€2,427 per month
Average net salary 2025	€1,484 per month
Unemployment rate 2025	6.9% (total); 15.9% youth (15-24 years old)
Inflation 2025	4.1% (April 2025), a sharp increase from 0.7% in 2024.
Budget deficit	Low — manageable, but growing due to defense spending
Labor force	1,462,800 (2025) — decreasing due to emigration
Poverty risk	One of the highest rates in the EU — especially among the elderly and in the regions

Despite macroeconomic growth, Lithuania faces structural challenges: productivity is about 30% lower than the OECD average; exports are concentrated in low and medium value-added sectors (petroleum products, wood, furniture, agricultural products); integration into global value chains is weak.

MAIN ECONOMIC PROBLEMS

► Huge income differences between Vilnius and the regions — especially in the northeast

► Emigration: mostly young, qualified specialists — demographic catastrophe

► By 2050, a 20% population decline and a 30% reduction in the workforce are planned

► High structural unemployment — mismatch between the labor market and business needs

► Inflation is accelerating and is eroding real incomes, especially for low-income earners

► Absorption of EU funds is slow — only <10% disbursed by the end of 2024 from the €10.2 billion package

► Informal economy — the shadow economy increases inequality and reduces budget revenues

► There is no real industrial policy in the country — there is a lack of high-tech industry

1.3 Social Situation: Poverty, Inequality and Demographic Crisis

Lithuania is experiencing one of the largest demographic crises in Europe. Since regaining independence in 1990, the country has lost more than a third of its population, mostly due to emigration. The population, which reached 3.7 million in 1990, is now close to 2.8 million. Forecasts suggest a further decline.

Health inequalities are particularly pronounced: the average life expectancy of Lithuanian men is 73.1 years, while that of women is 81.9 years. The difference — almost 9 years — is one of the largest in the EU. Health disparities based on income level in Lithuania are the largest in the European Union.

Problem	Situation
Risk of poverty and social exclusion	One of the highest rates in the EU, especially in rural areas and among pensioners
Male life expectancy	73.1 years — well below the EU average
Youth unemployment	15.9% (January 2026) — high structural
NEET youth (2024)	14.9% — no longer in education or employment aged 15–29.
Regional difference in education	Rural schools lag far behind urban ones
Old-age pension system	Many elderly people receive insufficient pensions
Demographics until 2050.	Expected population decline of 20% and workforce of 30%
Emigration	One of the highest rates in the EU since 2000.

1.4 Health Care: Structural Deficits

Lithuania's healthcare system faces several fundamental challenges. The shortage of specialists — especially in remote areas — is critical. Corruption in healthcare institutions remains one of the biggest problems: as many as 47% of the population consider the healthcare system to be the most corrupt area (Vilmorus survey). 19% of Lithuanians have paid a bribe in healthcare institutions in the past 12 months (GCB EU 2021).

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in Lithuania. Alcohol consumption, poor diet and lack of physical activity contribute to low life expectancy, especially among men. The new government’s program for the end of 2024 envisages reducing regional disparities by increasing the number of medical study places and providing support for students from rural areas — a positive step, but not enough without systemic changes.

1.5 Corruption and Institutional Crisis

Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index 2024 scores Lithuania 63/100 points (32nd out of 180). This shows progress, but corruption remains a systemic challenge. The Corruption Map 2023–2024 confirms that while bribery cases are declining (from 24% to 9% over a decade), corruption still significantly affects decision-making.

In 2023, the Court of Appeal sentenced former Liberal leaders — including Eligijus Masiulis — to 5.5 years in prison. In 2025, the Supreme Court issued a controversial decision acquitting another former politician. These cases illustrate a deep-seated institutional problem: the independence of the judiciary and political connections raise serious questions.

CORRUPTION ASSESSMENT: A DDS PERSPECTIVE

✗ Seimas, courts, municipalities — the most corrupt institutions by population

✗ Business leaders and political parties — carriers of a culture of corruption

✗ Health system: 19% of the population paid bribes — systemic corruption entrenched

✗ Only 33% of the population trusts the courts — a critical indicator of democracy

✗ Corruption is not just an ethical issue: it directly reduces GDP, investment and the quality of services

✓ Declining bribery shows there is room for change — but systemic solutions are needed

 

II. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DDS SYSTEM IN LITHUANIA: A DEMOCRATIC REVOLUTION

2.1 The Crisis of Democracy and the DDS Solution

Current Lithuanian democracy is a formal, not a true democratic process. Citizens elect people every four years — and that's it. After the elections, all power passes into the hands of a few dozen politicians who are not accountable to anyone. Party programs are not binding, promises are not kept, and coalition negotiations take place without any citizen participation.

DDS offers a radically different model: not democracy once every four years, but real, permanent, direct democracy, where every citizen can actively participate in decision-making every day — but this is done competently, with the help of specialists, using advanced technologies protected from manipulation.

2.2 Fractional Microgroup Model in Lithuania

The DDS structure is based on the fractal principle of micro-groups. Each citizen who joins the DDS platform belongs to a base group of 5 people. These groups merge into groups of 25, then 125, 625, and so on up to the national level. Each level makes decisions within its competence, and the most important issues rise up the hierarchy.

Level	Scope and Function
Base group	5 citizens — discuss, vote, delegate
First level	25 members — a representative from 5 base groups coordinates
Second level	125 members — city block or village
Third level	625 members — municipal section
Fourth level	3,125+ members — county or region
National level	All Lithuanian citizens — strategic decisions

Each representative is recalled at any time by a vote in their group. An imperative mandate means that a representative MUST vote according to their group's opinion — or they will be immediately recalled. This eliminates the traditional ability for politicians to ignore voters once they have a mandate.

2.3 ddsAI and allddsAI: The Technological Basis of Democracy

DDS integrates artificial intelligence not as a tool for governance, but as a means of democratizing information. The ddsAI system and allddsAI democracy (in which AI systems are official members of the DDS with rights and responsibilities) provide citizens with:

• Complete, accurate and neutral information on each issue under consideration
• Independent expert analysis — free from party, media or business influence
• Automatic promise tracking: the system tracks all commitments made by politicians and representatives
• Algorithmic transparency: all AI decisions are explained and available for audit
• Protection from manipulation: DDS platforms insulate against traditional media and social media manipulation mechanisms
• Support for specialist groups: AI helps to form and inform competent groups of people in each field

SPECIFIC EXAMPLE: ALLDDSAI OPERATIONS IN LITHUANIA

Situation: The Seimas is considering a new tax reform.

Traditional system: citizens learn about it from party-controlled media — through biased filters.

DDS system: allddsAI immediately prepares a neutral, comprehensive report for all DDS Lithuania members.

Everyone gets: economic analysis, international examples, expected consequences, alternatives.

Citizens discuss in their grassroots groups with the help of specialists — and vote.

Their decision becomes a binding mandate for their representatives in the Seimas (with the long-term goal of DDS in the Seimas).

The entire procedure is protected from advertising, lobbying, and manipulative media.

2.4 Three-Code Identity Verification

DDS uses a unique three-code identity verification system that guarantees that every vote is authentic and fraud-free. The system allows citizens to vote securely from anywhere — while ensuring complete secrecy of the vote.

Lithuania, with its advanced digital citizen identification infrastructure (e-government), is ideally prepared for the implementation of the DDS system. The existing electronic signature and Smart-ID infrastructure can be integrated with the DDS three-code verification system, creating a world-class secure democratic platform.

2.5 Imperative Mandate and Revocation Mechanism

One of the fundamental principles of DDS is that a representative must adhere to the opinion of his group. If he votes against the mandate or acts contrary to the interests of the group, he is immediately removed and replaced by a new one. There are no protection mechanisms, no appeal procedures that would allow him to avoid responsibility.

This is fundamentally different from the current Lithuanian system, where members of the Seimas theoretically represent the entire nation — but in practice represent their own party, business interests, or personal connections. In the DDS model, the chain of responsibility is clear, direct, and enforced automatically.

 

III. ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL PROGRAMME

3.1 National Wealth — For the Nation: A Fundamental Principle

The basic economic principle of the DDS: all Lithuanian property values, natural resources, public infrastructure and collectively created assets belong exclusively and forever to the Lithuanian people. No privatization processes, foreign investment agreements or international transactions can transfer the management of these assets outside the borders of the nation without a direct, informed and free vote of the citizens.

INVENTORY OF LITHUANIAN NATIONAL ASSET (DDS proposal)

► Land and natural resources: forests (33% of the country's area), land, water bodies — their management must return to the people

► Energy infrastructure: electricity grid, heating system, liquefied natural gas terminal in Klaipėda

► Transport infrastructure: roads, Klaipėda port, Vilnius airport, railways

► Public companies: Lithuanian Post, Lithuanian Railways, Ignitis, Regitra

► Health infrastructure: hospitals, clinics, laboratories — must remain public

► Digital infrastructure: state telecommunications network, data centers

► Cultural and educational assets: universities, libraries, museums, archives

3.2 Tax Reform: Fairness and Progressivity

The current Lithuanian tax system is fundamentally regressive — it places a proportionally higher burden on low-income earners. The personal income tax (PIT) has two brackets — 20% and 32%, but social security contributions and VAT create a regressive structure. The DDS proposes a fundamental tax reform that would redistribute the burden more fairly.

3.2.1 Progressive VAT Reform

Income Group	Proposed Tariff
Up to €800 net per month	0% — minimum subsistence level protection
€800–1,500 net per month	15% — low income promotion
€1,500–3,000 net per month	20% — average income
€3,000–6,000 net per month	25% — higher income
€6,000–15,000 net per month	35% — high income
Over €15,000 net per month	45% — very high income
For capital, inheritance (over €300,000)	40% — prevention of asset concentration

This reform would allow to increase budget revenues from the rich, while protecting citizens with the lowest incomes. Example: currently, a minimum wage earner (gross ~€1,038/month) pays an effective tax rate that, together with social contributions, reaches 40% or more. In the DDS reform, he would pay significantly less or nothing — and receive a real income for living.

3.2.2 Corporate Tax: Progressivity and Anti-Optimization

• A progressive corporate tax is introduced: small companies (profits up to €50,000) pay 5%, large corporations — up to 25%.
• Strict rules to combat profit shifting to tax havens — a real effective tax in Lithuania
• Windfall profit tax in the energy, financial and telecommunications sectors
• Benefits for reinvesting companies: profits returned to the Lithuanian economy are taxed 50% less
• Property tax for large landowners and investment real estate — currently practically non-existent

3.3 Economic Diversification and Industrial Policy

Lithuania is too dependent on transit, oil refining and agriculture. The export structure — low and medium value added — will not allow the country to catch up with the Scandinavian standard of living. The DDS proposes an active state industrial policy — not Soviet-style planning, but a strategic direction with the promotion of private initiative.

DDS PRIORITY ECONOMIC SECTORS

1. TECHNOLOGY ECOSYSTEM: Vilnius already has a promising startup ecosystem. DDS proposes a 'Technology Triangle' — Vilnius-Kaunas-Klaipėda — with a 5 billion EUR fund over 10 years for high technologies

2. GREEN ENERGY: Solar, wind and biomass energy. Goal — 100% renewable sources by 2035. Export to Latvia, Estonia, Poland through synchronization with the EU grid

3. BIOTECHNOLOGY AND PHARMACY: Vilnius University and VGTU scientists' ecosystem. State fund — €500 million over 10 years

4. ADVANCED AGRICULTURE: Organic farming, value chains — not raw materials, but processed products

5. CREATIVE INDUSTRIES: Games, films, design — Vilnius has the potential to become the creative capital of the Baltic region

6. LOGISTICS AND TRANSPORT: Modernization of the Port of Klaipėda, full integration of Rail Baltica

3.4 Stopping Emigration: A Concrete Plan

Emigration is an existential threat to Lithuania. Since 2004, the country has lost hundreds of thousands of citizens — mostly young, educated, and enterprising. Traditional policies have failed to stop it. The DDS proposes a comprehensive system of measures.

1. REMOVING REGRESSIVE FACTORS: The wage gap with Western Europe must be reduced rapidly. Target: average net wage in 2030 — €2,200/month (currently €1,484). This is achieved through productivity growth, tax reform and an increase in the minimum wage.
2. RETURN PROGRAMS: 'Return to Lithuania' — 5-year tax breaks for diaspora returning qualifications. State return assistance fund with loans for housing and business creation.
3. HOUSING AFFORDABILITY: State housing program for young families. Subsidized rental systems. Declared goal: housing price should not exceed 5-year average income.
4. REGIONAL REVITALIZATION: Concentration of investments and jobs not only in Vilnius. Tax breaks for companies creating jobs in Šiauliai, Panevėžys, Alytus, and Utena County.
5. EDUCATION REFORM: Training programs focused on the real needs of the labor market. Internship ecosystem. Scholarship system for talents committed to working in Lithuania for 5 years.
6. DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION: The DDS system is itself a deterrent to emigration — citizens who have real power in their country are less willing to leave it.

3.5 Guaranteed Universal Minimum Yield (GUMI)

The DDS proposes to introduce a Guaranteed Universal Minimum Income (GUMI) linked to a structured voluntary model (GUMI-SV). This is not a traditional unemployment benefit — it is a system of civic participation and security.

GUMI-SV IN LITHUANIA: PRINCIPLES AND FIGURES

► Basic GUMI: €600/month for all adult citizens, regardless of employment status

► Volunteering bonus: additional €200/month for those who participate in community projects (minimum 10 hours/week)

► Taxation: GUMI is tax-free up to €800/month, after which progressive GPM applies

► Financing: from progressive taxation, property tax, savings in more efficient administration

► Impact: absolute poverty is eliminated, bureaucracy in the administration of social assistance is reduced

► Global examples: Finnish, Kenyan pilot projects show positive impact on labor productivity

► Lithuanian context: it is especially important to protect pensioners, single mothers, and rural residents

 

IV. SOCIAL PROGRAM

4.1 Health Care Reform

Lithuania has a universal health insurance system, but it suffers from chronic underfunding, a shortage of specialists, corruption, and regional disparities. The DDS proposes a fundamental reform based on equity, accessibility, and quality.

4.1.1 Financing Reform

• Increasing the health budget to 8% of GDP (currently around 7%) — along with transparency and efficiency reforms
• Integration of private and public resources: private medicine complements, but does not replace, public health
• Eradicating Corruption: DDS Digital System Makes All Payments Transparent and Auditable
• Prevention as a priority: 20% of the health budget — for prevention, protection against diseases, and education of the population
• Patient freedom of choice: citizens choose doctors and hospitals based on publicly available quality ratings

4.1.2 Specialist Crisis Resolution

• Doctors' salary reform: goal is close to Western European levels, which will stop emigration
• Study financing in exchange for a commitment to work in Lithuania (10 years after graduation)
• Telemedicine in rural areas: DDS digital platform allows you to receive a specialist consultation online
• Mobile health services in remote regions — not only in Vilnius
• Import of personnel: conditions for competent foreign doctors to work in Lithuania (with Lithuanian language requirements)

4.2 Education Reform

The Lithuanian education system has strengths — a high participation rate in higher education (58% of young adults with a tertiary education) — but faces deep structural challenges: regional exclusion, mismatch of curricula with the labor market, and a shortage of teachers in rural schools.

DDS EDUCATION REFORM PRIORITIES

1. PRE-SCHOOL EDUCATION: Universal free kindergarten places for all children from 2 years old — not only in Vilnius

2. SCHOOL EQUALITY: Additional €500 million/year for rural schools — for technology, teacher salaries, infrastructure

3. TEACHING PROFESSION: Average teacher salary = average national salary + 30% — restoring the prestige of the profession

4. CRITICAL THINKING: Required course from grade 5: how to recognize disinformation, how to read statistics, democracy and citizenship

5. VOCATIONAL EDUCATION: Rehabilitation of vocational schools — programs with business partners, guaranteed internship

6. HIGHER EDUCATION: Free higher education at Lithuanian universities for all Lithuanians with the highest results

7. LIFELONG LEARNING: Free professional development system available on the DDS platform

4.3 Pension System: Dignity in Old Age

Lithuania's current pension system leaves many elderly people in poverty. Pensions, which depend on length of service and wages, do not protect low-skilled workers, people who have worked in the informal economy for a long time, and women who have spent a lot of time raising children.

• Basic pension guarantee: for all citizens of retirement age — at least 60% of the average salary
• Automatic indexation of pensions — based on inflation and real wage growth
• Pensioner health program: free dental prosthetics, vision, nursing services
• Active Aging Program: Pensioners who are willing and able to work are encouraged and supported — not punished by having their pensions taken away
• Transparency of the accumulation system: all 2nd and 3rd pillar funds must publish fully transparent reports on the DDS platform

4.4 Housing: Social Asset, Not Speculative Object

Housing prices in Lithuania, especially in Vilnius, are becoming increasingly unaffordable for middle-income citizens. Investment funds and large capital are buying apartments as speculative assets, which drives up prices and prevents young people from staying in their own country.

• Vacant property tax: real estate left empty for more than 1 year for investment purposes — additional tax
• Social Housing Program: 50,000 social housing units in 10 years — government construction program
• Rent regulation: rent increases are limited to inflation + 2% per year
• First Home Program: State-guaranteed loans for young buyers, with the condition of working in Lithuania
• Cooperative apartments: DDS supports community-based apartment cooperative programs

4.5 Gender Equality and Youth Policy

Lithuania has achieved high levels of gender equality in many areas — but the pay gap and women's management positions remain problems. Youth policy is an investment in Lithuania's future and prevention of emigration.

• Gender Pay Audit: All companies with >50 employees must publish gender-disaggregated pay statistics
• Equal paternity and maternity leave — encouraging the participation of both parents
• Youth Business Fund: €100 million/year for entrepreneurs aged 18–35 — loan or guarantee
• Youth Housing Program: a separate subsidized rental system for the 18–30 age group
• Accessibility of artistic, sports and cultural education: universal in all municipalities

 

V. ENVIRONMENTAL AND ENERGY PROGRAMME

5.1 Energy Independence and the Green Revolution

Lithuania successfully desynchronized from the Russian electricity grid and joined the European ENTSO-E network in 2025 — a historic step for energy security. However, energy diversification and green transformation require even bolder actions.

Sector	DDS Purpose and Program
Solar energy	Target: 3 GW by 2035 (currently ~1 GW). Subsidized solar modules for all homes
Wind energy	Offshore wind in the Baltic Sea — developing partnerships with Latvia and Estonia
Batteries and storage	National battery storage system — to stabilize grid frequency
Heating networks	Modernization of urban district heating — switching to renewable sources
Energy efficiency	Mass renovation of old buildings — state fund €3 billion/10 years
Hydrogen	Research and Development Program — Future Production and Export of Green Hydrogen

5.2 Environmental Policy

• Forest management: all state forests are publicly owned, managed according to the principles of sustainability, not in the interests of private logging companies
• Clean waters: all rivers and lakes — cleaned by 2035. Industrial discharge standards — tightened
• Biodiversity: 30% of land protected as natural areas (currently ~17%)
• Waste economy: circular economy strategy — 80% waste recycling by 2035.
• Carbon tax: expanded to all sectors — revenues used to compensate low-income households
• Agricultural transformation: support for organic farming — target 25% organic farming by 2035.

 

VI. GOVERNANCE REFORM AND ANTI-CORRUPTION PROGRAM

6.1 Institutional Reform

The DDS model in Lithuania does not reject the existing institutional system outright — that would be unrealistic. The strategy is two-phase: in the first phase, the DDS works within the system, participating in elections and presenting an alternative; in the second phase — with a public mandate — structural changes are implemented.

6.1.1 Short-Term Reform Goals (1–4 years)

• Publicity of the Seimas decision platform: every vote, every meeting — broadcast live and archived
• Pledge tracking system: every coalition pledge is recorded and automatically checked monthly
• Lobbying register: mandatory transparency — who speaks to members of the Seimas, when and why
• Public procurement: 100% digital, with AI monitoring and anomaly detection
• Asset declaration: expanded asset declaration for political families — not just spouses
• Local democracy: municipal council decisions — subject to mandatory referendum if requested by >10% of voters

6.1.2 Long-term Structural Changes (4–10 years with DDS mandate)

• Constitutional amendment: imperative mandate — Members of the Seimas must abide by the opinion of the voters
• Mechanisms of direct democracy: mandatory referendums on key issues are being introduced
• Integration of DDS micro-groups into the management system: official consultative bodies
• Judicial reform: appointment of judges through a competitive and transparent procedure without party influence
• Strengthening the Ombudsman Institution: Real Investigation Powers and Protection from Political Pressure

6.2 Anti-Corruption Program

Corruption in Lithuania is not an individual behavior, but a systemic problem. The DDS approach is not only to punish those involved in corruption, but also to eliminate the structural conditions that make corruption possible and even rational.

DDS ANTI-CORRUPTION MEASURES

► TRANSPARENCY as a SYSTEM: all state decisions, contracts, payments — publicly available on the DDS platform, in real time

► WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTION: strong legal framework and financial compensation for corruption whistleblowers

► AI MONITORING: ddsAI system monitors public procurement and financial flows — anomalies are automatically recorded

► ROTATIONAL PRINCIPLE: term limits and rotation of public offices — elimination of 'permanent apparatchiks'

► SALARY REFORM: increasing and making public servants' salaries transparent — reducing the motivation to take bribes

► HEALTHCARE CORRUPTION: A digital service queue system that completely eliminates the possibility of bribery

► CIVIC MONITORING: every citizen can submit corruption reports via the DDS platform — with anonymization

 

VII. FOREIGN POLICY, DEFENCE AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

7.1 Sovereignty and European Integration

The sovereignty of the DDS does not mean isolationism. Lithuania must remain a member of NATO and the EU — this guarantees the country's security and prosperity. However, the DDS demands that membership in these organizations should never be used as an instrument for sacrificing national interests or granting privileges to foreign corporations.

• NATO membership is maintained — it is Lithuania's existential guarantee in light of the Russian threat
• EU membership is constructive and active. Lithuania must influence EU policy, not just implement directives
• Defense spending: 5% of GDP — taking into account the threat of war in the region and NATO requirements
• Active military reserve: military training — mandatory for all citizens, based on the Finnish and Swiss models
• Cyber Defense: Lithuania is already a NATO cyber defense center — develop this specialization
• Baltic-Scandinavian solidarity: Lithuania-Latvia-Estonia-Finland-Poland regional security community

7.2 Lithuanian Diaspora and International Relations

Lithuania has a large diaspora around the world — especially in Great Britain, Germany, Ireland, the United States. These people are not just emigrants — they are potential ambassadors, investors, and talents for Lithuania who need to maintain a connection to their homeland through democratic participation.

• Diaspora Voting Rights: Making it Easier for Diaspora to Vote — Digital Voting System
• Diaspora DDS membership: diaspora participates in DDS democratic processes remotely
• Diaspora Investment Fund: tax breaks for Lithuanians investing in the Lithuanian economy from abroad
• Preservation of Lithuanianness: support for the development and digitalization of the network of Lithuanian schools abroad

 

VIII. CULTURE, IDENTITY AND FREEDOM OF INFORMATION

8.1 Protection of the Lithuanian Language and Culture

The Lithuanian language is one of the oldest living Indo-European languages — a priceless cultural heritage. DDS supports an active state language policy — not restriction, but promotion and modernization.

• Digitization of the Lithuanian language: artificial intelligence, speech recognition, translations — entirely in Lithuanian
• Culture Fund: additional €100 million/year to support Lithuanian cinema, music, literature, dance and theatre
• Protection of immovable cultural heritage: stricter protection and funding for the restoration of historic sites
• Integration of national minorities: respect for the cultures of Polish, Russian, Jewish and other minorities — through integration, not assimilation
• Baltic Cultural Network: joint cultural projects with Latvia and Estonia

8.2 Media Freedom and Protection from Manipulation

Modern media in many countries, including Lithuania, is controlled by big business interests. Even in free societies, citizens receive filtered, biased, advertising-influenced information. DDS offers an alternative — not prohibition, but the availability of real information.

DDS SOLUTION: INFORMATION DEMOCRACY

► ddsAI and allddsAI platforms in Lithuania: neutral, complete, independent reporting on all political issues

► Citizens receive information without advertising, partisan filtering, or algorithmic manipulation

► Russian disinformation protection: DDS platforms protected from foreign hybrid information attacks

► Transparency of media ownership: mandatory register of all media owners

► Independence of state media: protection of LRT from political interference — governed by a public council

► Media literacy: mandatory education in schools — how to read the media critically and recognize manipulation

► Investigative journalism: a state fund to support independent investigative journalism

 

IX. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY AND TIMETABLE

9.1 DDS Activity Phases in Lithuania

Stage	Actions and Goals
PHASE 1 (2025–2026)	Organization creation: DDS Lithuanian branch, recruitment of members, launch of the Lithuanian language platform, formation of microgroups at the municipal level
PHASE 2 (2026–2027)	Municipal elections: participate in municipal elections in smaller cities — prove the concept by winning one or more municipalities
PHASE 3 (2027–2028)	Development and visibility: victories in municipalities as a catalyst for national attention. The platform works and demonstrates results
PHASE 4 (2028–2029)	Seimas elections: participate in the Seimas elections with a full list of candidates — goal: parliamentary group in the Seimas
PHASE 5 (2029–2030+)	Governance transformation: with a parliamentary mandate — the beginning of systemic reform

The first victory in municipal elections in any Lithuanian city or district — even a small one — is a global signal: the DDS model is working in real politics. It would create a chain reaction and international attention.

9.2 Specific Benefits for Citizens

DDS does not offer utopias. The solutions proposed are concrete, measurable and with clear performance indicators.

Indicator	Purpose
Citizen participation	From 0 to direct influence on decisions every day
Average salary 2030	Goal: €2,200 net (from €1,484 currently) — +48%
Youth unemployment	Reduction from 15.9% to <8% in 5 years
Emigration balance	From negative to neutral or positive in 7 years
Health indicators	Male life expectancy +3 years in 10 years
Corruption Index	Rise to the Top 20 in the world (currently 32nd place)
Energy independence	100% renewable energy by 2035.
Poverty reduction	50% reduction in poverty risk within 10 years

9.3 How to Join DDS in Lithuania

JOIN DDS — STEP BY STEP

1. Registration: visit www.directdemocracys.org and register as a member

2. Identity verification: three-code system — secure and anonymous

3. Microgroups: join the nearest grassroots group in your area or town

4. Participation: from day one you can participate in discussions, vote, and propose solutions

5. Training: DDS training platform — civic education, democratic mechanisms, policy analysis

6. Organizers: those who want to be more active can become group coordinators

7. Candidates: DDS members who meet the competence requirements may run for election on behalf of DDS.

 

X. CONCLUSIONS: THE LITHUANIA WE CHOOSE

Lithuania has come an incredible way in the 35 years since regaining its independence — from a Soviet economy to a modern European state. This is a huge achievement. However, the current model has reached its limits: emigration continues, inequality is growing, young people are losing hope, corruption is destroying institutions, and democracy is formal, not real.

DirectDemocracyS does not propose to return to the past. We propose to leap into the future — into a model of democracy that existed only in theory, but is now, thanks to digital technologies, becoming feasible. A democracy that is not just a vote once every four years, but daily, competent, protected and real government of the people.

Lithuania has all the conditions to become the first example of the DDS model in the world. The country is small, with a high level of digitalization, an active civil society and a painful historical memory of what it means to lose freedom. Lithuanians know better than anyone what true freedom — and true democracy — is worth.

OUR MESSAGE FOR LITHUANIA Lithuania — for Lithuanians. Government — for the people. Democracy — every day. Lithuania — for Lithuanians. Government — for the people. Democracy — every day.

This program is a living document — it will be constantly updated based on discussions among DDS members, recommendations from expert groups, and analysis of ddsAI and allddsAI systems. Every DDS member in Lithuania is a co-author and owner of this program — because in a DDS democracy, the program is created not by leaders, but by people.

www.directdemocracys.org

The program is prepared in 2025. | DirectDemocracyS International Coordination Center