“Speaking about the expenditures, my preferences include rational planning of expenditures, taking into account the existing programs, which the state intends to fund, efficient use of funds so as to obtain the best value for money and the biggest possible return on capital,” he said at a news conference on Monday.

He spoke of a necessity to stimulate Lithuania’s economic growth through the creation of jobs and additional added value, which would generate extra budget revenues.

Butkevičius, who is tipped as new prime minister, says he will propose to revise next year’s budget bill once he joins the Cabinet.

“The first measures would include the revision of next year’s budget bill. We would probably put aside the construction of those new facilities that are actually not very important and necessary for Lithuania today. We would direct more appropriations towards the upgrade and management of existing public assets,” he said.

Butkevičius added that the party did not plan to implement any sudden changes in taxation or tax reforms for the meantime. “An expert task group will be set up to study the existing tax system thoroughly”, he said.