Minister of Energy Arvydas Sekmokas says that the referendum on the construction of Nuclear Power Plant in Lithuania, proposed by opponents of nuclear energy, is too expensive and illogical, delfi.lt reported on 14 May.
Ministry of Energy presented to the Parliament its conclusions concerning the referendum, which is proposed to be organized along with the parliamentary elections in autumn.
„The resolution states that, first of all, the wording of referendum question is illogical because the Parliament has already approved by its laws and regulations that Lithuania will remain the country of nuclear power. Also, the initiators of the referendum propose to carry out the referendum along with the parliamentary elections this autumn, however, by the law, the referendum must happen no earlier than two months and no later than three months after the decision to organize it. If the Parliament makes the decision now, the referendum should be held in summer. Government’s position is that there are no additional millions to hold the referendum”, – said A. Sekmokas.
Minister of Energy has expressed his position that issues of energy policy, should be decided on not by public opinion poll, but by the persons elected to the Parliament.
“Even if the referendum was held, a logical question should be formulated, which would correspond to the existing legislation. It would be strange if a referendum was called once again to confirm what Parliament has decided on already”, – the Minister expressed his opinion.
According to A. Sekmokas, it is logical to ask people whether they support the country’s energy strategy, rather than the power plant building.
The decision on the referendum should be adopted on this Wednesday.
Translated by Sandra Dijokaitė
