- January 3, 2013
- 325
Ludkowski: The Government is so favourable in words, we will see what will be in action
Artur Ludkowski, the councillor of Vilnius and the director of The House of Polish Culture in Vilnius, is sceptical to the reforms of public transport in the capital city of Lithuania; however, he is glad that Poles are in Government.
From yesterday, the citizens of Tallinn have free public transport but in Vilnius it is rather impossible. “From one side it would be good for people, but we have to be realistic. In a current financial situation, when debts are as big as half of an annual municipal budget, it is not possible” – said Ludkowski for the interview of “Znad Wilii” radio. In his opinion the situation of Vilnius and Tallinn cannot be compared since Tallinn does not have any debts at all.
Ludkowski is critical of the concept of electric ticket named „The cart of Vilnius citizen”, he is also sceptical about the construction of the tram. In his point of view there are only discussion without any particular conclusions.
„I hope that there will not be any radical changes. City Council of Vilnius made a decision that in the future tram line will be built. It all depends on money and, as we know, financial situation is not good” – says Ludkowski. According to his opinion the debts are still growing.
On bad financial situation influences both objective and subjective reasons. “Our idea is to balance expenses on the one hand. On the other hand, Vilnius, as one of the largest city receives the smallest percentage of personal income tax(…). In comparison to the other Polish cities, our budget is relatively small. “ – claim the director of The House of Polish Culture in Vilnius.
According to Ludkowski, last year was favourable for Poles. The Government promised to dispatch the matter with surnames and double names. “The Government is so favourable in words, we will see what will be in action”- said the councillor. In Artur Ludkowski opinion it is good that Poles are in the Government since it means that: ”We are not worse, we are even better. It is kind of overcoming the barriers.”
Tłumaczenie Diana Omiljaniuk w ramach praktyk w Europejskiej Fundacji Praw Człowieka, www.efhr.eu. Translated by Diana Omiljaniuk the framework of a traineeship programme of the European Foundation of Human Rights, www.efhr.eu.
