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Elena Leontjeva

ABOUT Elena Leontjeva
Elena Leontjeva is co-founder and President of the Lithuanian Free Market Institute (LFMI). Elena led LFMI from its inception until 2001 and returned to serve as the organization’s president in 2020. Elena Leontjeva played a key role in building the legal and institutional foundations for Lithuania’s economy, including the Currency Board and the Litas Credibility Law, the securities market, banking, tax and budget reforms, private pension insurance, downsizing state functions and deregulation known as the Sunset and Sunrise initiatives. She served as senior economic advisor to President Valdas Adamkus and state counselor on economic reform issues under six administrations. Elena has pioneered interdisciplinary research on the phenomena of lack and scarcity. She has co-edited a peer-reviewed publication ‘The Phenomenon of Lack: Being, Man and Society’ and co-created a documentary Sublime Thirst. She is the author of a novel “The Market Square, or the Story of Two Joannes”.
Energy Crisis: How to Turn Off Heating for Bureaucracy?
Economy
Energy Crisis: How to Turn Off Heating for Bureaucracy?
BY Elena Leontjeva AND LFMI / December 3, 2022
Some time ago, the Lithuanian Ministry of Energy issued recommendations for the public sector, households, and businesses on how to save energy. The recommendation was to disconnect hot water in administrative premises and reduce heating to 19 degrees and cooling to 27 degrees. They also advised public officials to work from home.
If Your Flight Is Delayed, It Is Not Pilot’s Fault
Economy
If Your Flight Is Delayed, It Is Not Pilot’s Fault
BY Elena Leontjeva AND LFMI / September 14, 2022
In today\'s world, there is a shortage of workers everywhere. And we\'re used to it. But when staff shortages hit airlines, it comes as a shock to many. A lack of pilots and flight attendants, a lack of baggage handlers. Every day there are hundreds of suitcases that don\'t reach their final destination.
Four Waves of Inflationary Taxes, Are You Ready?
Economy
Four Waves of Inflationary Taxes, Are You Ready?
BY Elena Leontjeva AND LFMI / January 14, 2022
Inflation is often referred to as a tax, imposed without parliamentary approval, without legislation and without considering the consequences. Today’s inflation is special: printing money seemed to be pretty much the only way to respond to the pandemic and to finance rising public spending.
State and Citizen: To Serve or to Rule?
Society
State and Citizen: To Serve or to Rule?
BY Elena Leontjeva AND LFMI / November 25, 2021
‘To serve or to rule?’ – this is a dilemma we face as we reflect on the fundamental principles of “the scope of powers [of the state] shall be limited by the Constitution” and “state institutions shall serve the people” on the occasion of the Constitution Day.
State Can Print Money, Not People
Economy
State Can Print Money, Not People
BY Elena Leontjeva AND LFMI / November 24, 2021
Governments have responded to the pandemic by printing money, thus disrupting the usual economic relationships. Financial capital, which was long been regarded as a most-demanded resource, has lost its position to raw materials which in turn have lost to labor force.