Legislation, Lithuania, Real Estate, Society

Grybauskaite said the accident in Kaunas was a tragedy. She told the national radio that Vilijampole social care home is a "typical example of social care homes of the Soviet times", where problems had existed previously and various discussions and commissions have not improved the situation.

The president said there are no such institutions in the West, which would accommodate over 200 people, 47 of whom are children and 166 adults. Foreign social care homes house 10-20 people. According to the head of state, this is hardly the last such accident.

"This is completely intolerable after 25 years of independence and 10-11 years of membership in the European Union, especially as funds and opportunities are available. I have always said that political will and understanding are lacking. Not money and not personnel – we have everything. We need will and understanding, and to take responsibility, and politicians must do this. I see that a commission has been established which has to say whether the director is guilty or not. But what is the difference when the child is gone?" the president stated.

Grybauskaite underlined that the reform of child care homes must be implemented and not only talked about. Furthermore, she raised doubt whether Director of the institution, Linas Butkus, was suitable for the position after he claimed that the reason of the accident was bad windows and the boy's vigorousness.