FAVOURABLE CONDITIONS FOR COMPETITION BENEFIT THE CONSUMER

On 23 October, the Competition Council (KT) together with the Lithuanian Free Market Institute and the Ministry of Economy organised a round table discussion “Enforcement of Article 4 of the Law on Competition”.

The discussion focused on the problems related to enforcement of Article 4 and the outcomes of violations. Participants also highlighted assumptions that may improve competitive business environment.

The following speakers took part in the event: Jūratė Šovienė, the Deputy Chair of the KT; Žilvinas Šilėnas, the President of the Free Market Institute; Rimantas Čepas, the Deputy Director of the Association of Local Authorities in Lithuania; academics and representatives for the Parliament and the Public Procurement Office.

“Dominant mind set often leads administrative bodies to competition restricting decisions, thus, limiting consumers’ right to choose.” – said the Deputy Chair of the KT, Jūratė Šovienė. She also noted that respect for law is undeniably prerequisite to any mature democracy; unfortunately, some administrative bodies more often than not become an example of legal nihilism.

The examples introduced by business representatives and Simonas Gentvilas, the adviser to the Mayor of Klaipėda City, proved that residents of municipalities always benefit from effective competition: the choice is wider, the quality of services is better, the prices are lower and the municipal budget saves money.

Speaking about the enforcement of the KT’s resolutions claim for damages and personal responsibility of heads of municipalities were highlighted as possible options.