Four municipalities led by mayors from the Green-Democratic party Demokratų sąjunga „Vardan Lietuvos“—Lazdijai, Šilutė, Ukmergė, and the Alytus district—have been highly commended at the annual “Auksinių krivūlių” (Golden Croziers) awards, organized by the Association of Lithuanian Municipalities. The awards recognize local government leadership in strengthening national security, promoting regional culture, improving public healthcare, and boosting rural sustainability.
Lazdijai and Šilutė: Community Mobilization and Cultural Identity
In the geopolitically sensitive Suvalkai corridor region, the Lazdijai district municipality, led by Green Mayor Ausma Miškinienė, received the Ministry of National Defense award for building civic resilience and community unity. Rather than succumbing to fear, the local government initiated a model of close cooperation that balances the defensive needs of Lithuania and NATO with the clear concerns of local residents.
Meanwhile, the Šilutė district, led by Green Mayor Vytautas Laurinaitis, was recognized by the Ministry of Culture as a premier “Nurturer of Culture.” The municipality successfully preserved the heritage of Lithuania Minor and the unique Pamarys region by providing direct funding to restore historical buildings, thereby engaging citizens in keeping cultural traditions alive for future generations.
Ukmergė and Alytus: Transparent Healthcare and Local Eco-Food Chains
The Ministry of Health awarded the title of “Municipality of the Year in Health Promotion” to the Ukmergė district, led by Green Mayor Darius Varnas. The municipal hospital has proven that regional healthcare can operate with high efficiency and strict financial transparency. Furthermore, its medical staff actively participate in humanitarian missions in Ukraine, building practical emergency experience to safeguard local healthcare availability even during crises.
Lastly, the Alytus district municipality, headed by Green Mayor Rasa Vitkauskienė, was honored by the Ministry of Agriculture for enhancing rural vitality. In 2026, the local government allocated over €11 million to rural roads and drainage infrastructure while championing short food supply chains. A prime example is the Simnas Gymnasium, which now sources ingredients directly from local eco-farmers for school meals—a sustainable practice the party plans to replicate across other municipal institutions.
The leadership of Demokratų sąjunga „Vardan Lietuvos“ extended its congratulations to the mayors and their teams, emphasizing that a strong state is built on robust local governance. For the Greens, the true value of these accomplishments is not the physical awards, but the everyday benefits felt by the community: a safer environment, preserved heritage, and expanded local economic opportunities.
