“Mayor without circuses”: Vilnius’ new head steps into office

Valdas Benkunskas becomes mayor in what’s considered an iconic year for the Lithuanian capital

Valdas Benkunskas is the new mayor of Vilnius after he was officially sworn into office yesterday, 26 April. The new city head represents the conservative Homeland Union party, which seeks to elaborate a new direction for the Lithuanian capital after the 8-year rule of Remigijus Šimašius, who was a liberal.

Mr Šimašius was the longest-serving municipal leader in the history of Vilnius, but decided not to seek re-election, even though the law allows him to serve up to three terms.

Mr Benkunskas won the local elections last month on a platform promising that he would be a “mayor without circuses”. Much like his opponents, during the race, he pointed out that the main issues to resolve in the city were traffic jams, road infrastructures and insufficient kindergarten spaces, which caused waiting lists.

The new mayor has also promised to focus on upgrading the mobility infrastructure, more specifically – building new pedestrian paths and bike lanes, plus repairing some 230 streets, considered to be in poor condition.

That being said, his appeal for realistic solutions, rather than flashy projects and ideas (his opponent proposed building an aerial gondola line) seems to have struck a chord with the voters.

New local government direction during the 700^th-anniversary year

A novelty that the new mayor has proposed as part of his government is to have all meeting of committee meetings of the City Council broadcast live on YouTube.

At his oath ceremony, the mayor of Vilnius promised the people of Vilnius to work responsibly, to listen attentively and to lead honestly, so that it would be even more comfortable and better to live in Vilnius for all those who want to work there.

The citizens of Vilnius entrusted me with the keys to the capital in commemoration of the city's 700th anniversary. This is not only a great honour, but also an extraordinary commitment. I invite you to write the new page of the capital by opening the gates of the city even wider to those who call and want to call it home," said Mayor Benkunskas.