Chapter X. Local Self-Government and Governance

Article 119

The right to self-government shall be guaranteed to the administrative territorial units of the State, which are provided for by law. This right shall be implemented through municipal councils and municipal mayors.

The members of municipal councils shall be elected, as provided for by law, for a four-year term from among the citizens of the Republic of Lithuania and other permanent residents of the respective administrative unit, and municipal mayors shall be elected from among the citizens of the Republic of Lithuania, by the citizens of the Republic of Lithuania and other permanent residents of that administrative unit on the basis of universal, equal, and direct suffrage by secret ballot.

The procedure for the organisation and activities of self-government institutions shall be established by law.

Article 120

The State shall support municipalities.

Municipalities shall act freely and independently within their competence defined by the Constitution and laws.

Article 121

Municipalities shall draft and approve their budgets.

Municipal councils shall have the right, within the limits and according to the procedure provided for by law, to establish local levies; municipal councils may provide for tax and levy concessions at the expense of their own budgets.

Article 122

Municipal councils and municipal mayors shall have the right to apply to a court regarding the violation of their rights.

Article 123

At higher-level administrative units, governance shall be organised by the Government according to the procedure established by law.

The observance of the Constitution and laws and the execution of the decisions of the Government by municipalities shall be supervised by the representatives appointed by the Government.

The powers of the representatives of the Government and the procedure for the execution of their powers shall be established by law.

In cases and according to the procedure provided for by law, the Seimas may temporarily introduce direct rule in the territory of a municipality.

Article 124

The acts or actions of municipal councils and municipal mayors that violate the rights of citizens or organisations may be appealed against before a court.