Litwa 1993: kluczowy rok niepodległości
Lithuania 1993: Pivotal Year of Independence

Summary/Abstract: The year 1993 in Lithuania began with the election triumphs of the post-communist leftist party. The emergence of a new system of political forces called into question the current direction of the country’s development. Contrary to some fears expressed both in the country and in the West, the new government did not aim at the recidivism of communism, nor did it want to force the country into the arms of Russia. From the beginning, the rulers focused mainly on improving the extremely difficult economic situation. On the other hand, the opposition was left with a great deal of activity in foreign policy. This situation was partly due to the lack of a clear strategy of the leftist party and the persistent use of political culture. Taking advantage of the situation, the centre-rightist parties for many months successfully influenced, in particular, the state of relations with Poland, and in the summer of 1993 also with Russia. However, the left-wing government also noted success in finalising the evacuation of Russian troops from the country and was able to take advantage of the Pope’s visit to Lithuania for propaganda purposes. In the fall of 1993, Lithuania found itself in a difficult position due to developments in Russia. In these circumstances, the Lithuanian elite decided, over political divisions, to take a pro-Western course in foreign policy. The intention was to rely on Poland to become a member of NATO and the European Union. For this reason, works on the treaty with Poland was unblocked.

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