Lithuania

Abstract

The transition from dependence within the Soviet system to independence of a Lithuanian State was markedly influenced by two key political developments, the activities of the Lithuanian Reconstruction Movement (Sajudis) and the change of the Lithuanian Communist Party programme. Sajudis emerged in the spring of 1988, after the security forces had prevented an unofficial demonstration to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Lithuanian declaration of independence from Russia. In the followlng months, the movement was responsible for the organisation of several mass demonstrations, for instance, against the ‘russification’ of the national culture and against environmental pollution in the country. It also openly demanded the setting-up of an independent Lithuanian state and the use of the Lithuanian language. At its national congress in October 1989, the Sajudis movement passed a resolution, demanding polltical, economic and cultural autonomy for Lithuania. It also asked for a separate Lithuanian currency and for citizenship.