Lithuanians vote in parliamentary pollsOctober 14, 2012 - 16:14 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Lithuanians are voting on Sunday, October 14 in a parliamentary election, which is expected to bring opposition leftists and populists to power amid growing discontent with the government’s austerity policies, RIA Novosti said. Opinion polls suggest the country’s ruling center-right coalition led by Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius is set to lose power as austerity-weary voters are ready to support the center-left Social Democrats led by Algirdas Butkevicius and the left-wing populist Labor Party of controversial Russian-born ex-minister and businessman Viktor Uspaskich. The Kubilius government took office at the end of 2008 amidst the global financial and economic crisis and was forced to raise taxes and cut spending to stave off the tiny Baltic nation’s default on its debts. Lithuania has been able to weather the economic and financial meltdown but living standards have fallen sharply since then, making Lithuanians weary of belt-tightening policies. Lithuanians are also expected to say “no” at a non-binding referendum being held simultaneously with the parliamentary poll to plans to build a new nuclear power plant in the Baltic republic to replace a Soviet-era facility that was shut down in 2009. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. |