7 April 2010
Auditor General of the Republic of Lithuania,
National Audit Office Staff and associates,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
This year brings a number of remarkable events for Lithuania, including the 20th anniversary of the restoration of a multitude of state institutions.
The restoration of Lithuanias independence in 1990 led to the urgent need to restore or establish bodies to implement the 11 March Act and to transpose it from legal sphere to everyday life and to all areas of activity.
The pace at which one or another institution came into operation reflects its relevance to Lithuania and its significance to the consolidation of the independence and progress of the state.
Let this short introduction be an additional argument to prove the importance of the restored National Audit Office in Lithuanias life. Two decades ago history replayed the developments of 1918. In 1918 after the restoration of the Lithuanian state, alongside the army and bodies responsible for national education, cultural, economic, domestic, and foreign affairs, the National Audit Office was established. In fact, when the occupant forces abolished the major institutions of the state in 1940, the National Audit Office was among the first to be dissolved, the Lithuanian state and its body responsible for the analysis and management of national finances were abolished almost simultaneously.
The State Audit Department, which was the supreme audit institution of the Republic of Lithuania, was re-established in 1990. Two years later the Constitution adopted by the popular referendum vested this institution with the power of supervising the lawfulness of the management and use of state property, as well as the execution of the state budget.
Today I wonder whether the work of the National Audit Office has become harder or easier over the twenty years, whether it is facing more or less problems and challenges now.
On the one hand, the National Audit Office has gained experience over the years and has been employing many experts of high international standard. It is thanks to these people that the institution has become the symbol of expertise and professionalism in Lithuania and thanks to these people the National Audit Office has become an active member of international organisations of audit institutions.
On the other hand, the changes of Lithuanias political reality bring about the economic changes and new challenges for the National Audit Office. Membership of the European Union has offered Lithuania billions of litas of support opening ample opportunities for our people and a huge amount of new tasks for our auditors. As the economic recession began, the National Audit Office was faced with new responsibilities and issues of concern.
Nevertheless, there is an interesting phenomenon of growing public confidence in the National Audit Office, which looks like a paradox at the first glace. It means that the public which appreciates the advantages offered by freedom and democracy seeks transparent management of general affairs, especially general economic affairs.
Sometimes we hear about nostalgia for a firm-hand rule; however, the supporters of this idea forget to note that a firm hand or a tight fist is not a value by itself. It becomes a value only when it is used to defend common property, common interests, order, transparency and justice. This is what Lithuanias people expect from their state, its respective institutions, as well as from the National Audit Office.
Therefore, on the occasion of the anniversary of its restoration I wish the National Audit Office to spare no effort and time in their endevours. I wish you to consider future perspective rather than the current situation in your activities. You have repeatedly uncovered grave problems that we face in our life and you have also provided professional recommendations on how to improve the existing situation. Analysis and search for more efficient management rather than intimidation and punishment should be, to my mind, the aim of your institution. The two-decade experience shows that it is possible while public confidence in your institution demonstrates that this is what the nation and the state need most.
I extend my sincere thanks to all the staff of the State Audit Office for your honest and professional service to the Lithuanian state, which means honest and professional service to each and every one of us. I wish you further accomplishment of your mission, which would earn respect and gratitude.
