News

On August 18th, the Šumskas and Tverečius border checkpoints between Lithuania and Belarus were temporarily shut down by the Lithuanian government. This decision has angered many locals who regularly cross the border to take advantage of cheaper goods in Belarus, such as groceries, gas, and medicine. The former mayor of Visaginas, Dalia Štraupaitė, explains that economic factors drive locals to cross the border, as goods in Belarus can be up to two times cheaper than in Lithuania. She suggests that reducing the value added tax for food would help decrease cross-border shopping. Štraupaitė emphasizes that many locals rely on these trips to make ends meet, as the majority only earns minimum wage, while the cost of living continues to rise.

Most residents of Visaginas choose to cross the border through the Tverečius checkpoint in the neighboring district of Ignalina. Belarus’ authorities report that 170,000 Lithuanians have entered the country visa-free this year, with over 400,000 visits by Lithuanian nationals since April 2022. Jonas Baltakis, a councillor representing The Lithuanian Farmers and Greens Union, acknowledges that the closure of the Tverečius checkpoint frustrates some locals who rely on it for cheap gas, groceries, and medicine. The limitation on goods, such as cigarettes and alcohol, also affected cross-border shoppers.

The Lithuanian State Security Department and State Border Guard Service warn that some Lithuanian citizens have been questioned and their electronic devices and social media activities checked on the Belarusian side. However, not all residents are aware of such cases. Despite the longer waiting times at alternative border checkpoints, some locals are undeterred by the restrictions and are willing to explore alternative options to continue crossing the border for cheaper goods.

The temporary closure of the Šumskas and Tverečius border checkpoints is not expected to significantly impact vehicle lines and freight transportation, as the remaining four border checkpoints with Belarus will remain open. The Lithuanian government has also discussed the possibility of a full border closure with Belarus, along with the Baltic States and Poland. However, border residents express their indifference towards politics and emphasize the natural desire to search for cheaper goods.

The post Temporary Closure of Border Checkpoints Sparks Anger among Locals appeared first on satProviders.