Sea

© Vidmantas Matutis photo

Spausdinti   Supplement to article

When Port Authority is led by Eugenijus Gentvilas, an outstanding personality as he is, it is impossible to avoid accusations and rumors.

Increasing number of opponents

Mr. Gentvilas claimed that after the reforms, which have been associated with the port’s constructions, money transfers, work submissions and other tasks, the number of his opponents’ team has increased.

“There are various persons working behind my back, so as to return to the old system. They are wrong to assume that they will succeed in returning the old order,” – warned Mr. Gentvilas.

There were many accusations made to him, implying that his order prevents faster constructions in the port. “My orders govern the work of Port Authority’s specialists. I have to ensure that these people follow the law. Many people do not like that,” – said Mr. Gentvilas. As an example, he showed a letter submitted to the Lithuanian Government by the Lithuanian State Security Department.

“I was charged that in 2011, I have not shown the money for building liquefied natural gas terminal near Kiaules Nugara Island in the Port Authority’s estimate. How could I foresee the funds, if the Government has made its decision to build the terminal in mid 2011?”

Among his opponents, Mr. Gentvilas sees construction contractors, former employees of Port Authority and also members of Lithuanian Seimas and other bureaucrats.

Ungrounded claims

According to Mr. Gentvilas, Lithuania has a system for ungrounded statements. “I was blamed for paranoia and other things. The most glamorous of them was the rumor that after drinking a bottle of vodka, I ran it to some employee’s head,” – said Mr. Gentvilas.

He remembered that when he sat in one of the meetings, he threw and empty bottle of mineral water into a dustbin. This event had repercussions all over Lithuania. Some businessmen have inquired him about why he throws empty bottles at his employees. He thinks that in 2012, the rumors surrounding his personality will only increase.

“There will be an election and with them new passions will arise. Sometimes political motives are disturbing my work,” – explained Mr. Gentvilas.