The Seimas — legislative power
Adopts laws and the state budget, oversees the Government, and approves the candidate for Prime Minister.
Quick guide
Back to blogWho governs what—and who leads whom
The President — head of state
Represents the Republic of Lithuania, participates in foreign policy, appoints the Prime Minister with the Seimas's consent, and is Commander-in-Chief.
The Government — executive power
Administers the state, implements laws and the budget, coordinates ministries, and is accountable to the Seimas.
The Prime Minister leads the Government; ministers lead their ministries.
Courts — judicial power
Administer justice independently. The Constitutional Court reviews whether legal acts comply with the Constitution.
Municipal self-governments
Address local matters through municipal councils and mayors.
Key numbers and fractions
The Seimas
141 members are elected for a 4-year term.
The President
The term of office is 5 years.
Presidential election
With turnout of at least 1/2 of all voters, a candidate needs more than 1/2 of votes cast. With lower turnout, the candidate must receive at least 1/3 of all voters' votes.
Constitutional Court
Its 9 judges are appointed for one 9-year term. One third of the Court is renewed every 3 years.
Constitutional amendments
Amendments to other chapters need two votes at least 3 months apart.
How many votes are required?
When the Seimas is considered elected
At least 3/5 of Seimas members must be elected.
Ordinary laws and the Government programme
A majority of the Seimas members participating in the sitting is required—not a majority of all 141 members.
Constitutional laws
Adoption requires more than 1/2 of all members (at least 71 votes). Amending a constitutional law and setting the list of constitutional laws require at least 3/5 (85 votes).
Voting again after a presidential veto
To pass an ordinary law returned by the President, more than 1/2 of all members (71) must vote for it; a constitutional law requires at least 3/5 (85).
No confidence and resignation
A no-confidence motion against the Government or Prime Minister requires a majority of all members in a secret ballot (at least 71). For a minister, more than half of all members is required. Removing an official appointed by the Seimas also requires a majority of all members.
Impeachment
Removing the President, certain senior judges, or a member of the Seimas through impeachment requires at least 3/5 of all Seimas members—85 votes.
Early Seimas elections
A Seimas resolution calling early elections requires at least 3/5 of all members (85 votes).
Changing state borders
A treaty changing state borders must be ratified by at least 4/5 of all Seimas members (113 votes).
Constitutional amendments
An amendment may be proposed by at least 1/4 of Seimas members (36) or 300,000 voters. Amendments to other chapters need 2/3 of all members (94) in each of two votes held at least 3 months apart.
Article 1 of the Constitution
The provision defining Lithuania as an independent democratic republic may be changed only by referendum, with at least 3/4 of all citizens eligible to vote supporting the change.
Interpellations and extraordinary sessions
At least 1/5 of Seimas members (29) may submit an interpellation to the Prime Minister or a minister. At least 1/3 (47) may propose convening an extraordinary session.
Petitioning the Constitutional Court
For several types of review, a petition to the Constitutional Court may be submitted by at least 1/5 of all Seimas members (29).
Voter initiatives
50,000 eligible citizens may submit a bill, which the Seimas must consider. A referendum must be called if at least 300,000 eligible voters demand one.
Government decisions
Government resolutions are adopted by a majority of all Government members.
If the budget is not approved on time
At the beginning of the budget year, monthly spending may not exceed 1/12 of the previous year's state budget.
Who elects and appoints whom
Election and appointment are not the same. Here are the main constitutional appointment routes:
President
Directly elected by citizens for a five-year term.
Members of the Seimas
Elected by citizens for four-year terms.
Speaker of the Seimas
Elected by the members of the Seimas.
Prime Minister
The President appoints the Prime Minister after the Seimas approves the nominee.
Ministers
The President appoints and dismisses ministers on the Prime Minister's recommendation.
Constitutional Court judges
The Seimas appoints judges from candidates nominated by the President, the Speaker of the Seimas, and the President of the Supreme Court.
Municipal council and mayor
Elected by residents of the respective municipality.