Samsel: Vilnius key to AWPL

We are seeing quite lately in my opinion, ill-conceived attempt to AWPL to become a national party. So this compulsory religious education in schools or abortion. These activities are likely to seek to expand the electorate. Between cartoons because I put the declarations that are not talking about any “pillars of support” it. If it were only the AWPL would be known to me that the party is not about increasing the number of votes just as much as their reduction. The assumption is probably such that it can be somewhat deplete the electorate who gave voices to AWPL.

That is mainly regional and poles but to a small extent because they are traditionally religious. It will expand nationwide which will offset this loss and with a solid interest. I think it’s a mistake. Yes, the Poles are traditionally religious but not so in the first place come to expect from AWPL. Because the paradox lies in the fact that the key to build a the party open to Lithuania lies precisely in this region – Polish-the electorate. I will try to explain why I think so.

AWPL in trying to become a national party is in a very difficult situation. It is, in the opinion of the national “poison” Polishness. The name of the party says it clearly. Person a leader and key activists, also associated unambiguously with the same. In the end worked on this image for many years. It is impossible to change it from Yes, say the statements, in one term. Already, the job what you put, makes difficult. Changing the name of the party is very risky. In the end, however, the risk of losing the base of the electorate would be then. Changing leaders is quite incredible. After all, there are leaders who have achieved success. And that was over 5% electoral threshold. For some reasons, things are at the moment being treated marginally

Just because the other parties of the ruling coalition have the same opinion. A lack of original ideas. Well, I guess that it regarded as biofuels. Not to be implemented in one term, and in addition to rather dubious profitability. Not to mention the cost of that lack of resources. Thus, rather Lithuanian voters nationwide vote on them (other coalition parties) than in AWPL. They were so matter-ideological worldview. The difficulty lies in the fact that here it is easier to support than opposition coalition. Therefore, I believe that this is not a good idea. How, then, to broaden the electorate? In my opinion, first of all realize what is most important for the primary electorate. And these are issues of equal rights for minorities. I am convinced that even AWPL put even the most restrictive abortion law. Introduced coercion of religious education from kindergarten to college farm.

Built with three shrines and established the obligation lying cross for each one half Sunday. It still support among primary voters do not get. It does not increase it back in the pan Lithuania. In the event that do not significantly improve the situation of national minorities, of course. This is the foundation on which to build other ideas such as the ones I mention. However, rather than vice versa. Well yes but how is the improvement of the situation of national minorities to gain the support of the Lithuanian general electorate?

This is the greatest paradox. First, only will be the basis for other projects. It holds a permanent base and the electorate will be able to offer this solid base other ideas. Even if the religious will. Though keep in mind that Lithuania is not Poland or Ireland and Poles Lithuanians are not traditionally strongly associated with the Catholic religion. I would, however, after all, put on the economy because that is what bothers and makes it difficult to force the citizens of Lithuania, regardless of nationality. You can find this broad concept for themselves the original, the real and distinctive from other parties niche.

Secondly, that other voters will show what the policy is an important determinant of the potential voters. Effectiveness of viz. Voter evaluate not only whether the proposals meet him but also the ability to meet the party bidding for his voice. When he sees that they cannot do the “most of themselves” get what you need from the party, so the more I will not do for others “less friends”. When, however, see how AWPL located in an objectively difficult situation, even though it effectively and significantly improve the situation of national minorities is a good chance that it considers the party very effective and clever. This is the chance. It turns out that the key to becoming a national party by AWPL lies on … Vilnius.

Source: http://pl.delfi.lt/opinie/opinie/samsel-wilenszczyzna-kluczem-dla-awpl.d?id=61146209

Tłumaczenie Katarzyna Dąbrowska w ramach praktyk w Europejskiej Fundacji Praw Człowieka, www.efhr.eu. Translated by Katarzyna Dąbrowska within the framework of a traineeship programme of the European Foundation of Human Rights, www.efhr.eu.