Zivile Pinskuviene: from a small-town girl to a tenacious Mayor transforming Sirvintos

Ten years ago, on the same day she turned 40, Zivile Pinskuviene stood before the Council of the town of Sirvintos, some 50 kilometers away from the Lithuanian capital Vilnius and tucked in the lush nature. With her hand raised, she swore the mayoral oath that would mark the beginning of a bold political journey – one driven by vision, grit, and unapologetic honesty. What followed was nothing short of a transformation: a once-forgotten Lithuanian town blossomed into a modern, thriving community. 

As she marks a triple milestone – her 50th birthday, a decade in office, and Sirvintos' 550th anniversary – Pinskuviene, the outspoken and fiercely dedicated mayor, opened up to The Baltic Times Magazine about her journey from childhood dreams to political power, her battles against bureaucracy and cynicism, and her unwavering commitment to truth, transparency, and the people who placed their trust in her.

Dear Zivile, ten years ago you became the Mayor of Sirvintos District Municipality. Why did you decide to go into politics and jostle for the mayor’s position?
I was born and raised in Sirvintos. Looking back to those days, to my childhood, we were a small, grey, dull town. As a child, I wanted to attend clubs or extracurriculars, but there were no such opportunities. There were no meaningful activities for kids or youth, no sports infrastructure. We were just an ordinary Lithuanian town.
When I entered politics in 2003, I wasn’t dreaming of a council mandate or a mayor’s seat. It was something new, a challenge, something interesting – I hadn’t been involved in politics before. But once I understood that our lives are directly affected by political decisions, I asked myself – am I going to be the one who just complains and criticizes, or the one who stands up and takes action to change what seems wrong and unjust?
So I bravely and decisively ran for council and mayor. I saw that Sirvintos needed major change, and I took responsibility to make it happen. Even then, I had a clear vision of what I wanted to do: where the sports center would be, where the pool would be built, where the shopping center would go, how to improve schools and kindergartens, how to ensure good healthcare and service quality.
I went to the voters with a clear vision. My political opponents mocked me, called my plans “little Vasiukai” (unrealistic dreams), and said it couldn’t be done. But I stayed focused – Sirvintos must grow and thrive.
Of course, this vision could only be realized through hard work – I was ready for it, and, furthermore, I succeeded!
When I ran again after my first term, I didn’t need to convince people anymore – they saw the results. I said, “Trust me to continue what I started,” and they did. That trust is my greatest reward and motivation.

Now Sirvintos is known throughout Lithuania. The town is well-developed with the attractive public spaces, playgrounds, good roads, a sports and leisure center, a swimming pool, shops, restaurants, good schools and a health center, all of them are close to the capital. Do you see increasing interest from young families wanting to relocate to your district?

Yes, we see growing interest. We’re located just a half-hour from the capital. Young families from Vilnius, tired of traffic, struggling to find daycare or school spots, squeezed into expensive tiny apartments – they’re choosing Sirvintos.

That’s why I say: Sirvintos is the best place to live. Everything is safe and walkable. Kids can choose from nearly any sport, go to art school, dance, play music, sing.
I am happy that we’re seeing more families sell their apartments in Vilnius and move to Sirvintos, buy plots, build homes here. They work in Vilnius but live in Sirvintos – and this model is becoming more and more popular. This was our goal and we’re happy with the results.
Our vision is clear: that Sirvintos become the most attractive town to live in, especially for families. And locals? Are the people who left Sirvintos are now returning from abroad?
In fact, many are returning. When I became mayor in 2015, there were 87 free spots in kindergartens. Now the situation has totally changed – the population is growing. We filled all the kindergartens, added more groups, even opened kindergartens in rural areas, and they’re full. Now we’re planning expansions and annexes to accommodate everyone.

And what about attracting business investment?
We are open for business. We’ve created clear, transparent, equal conditions for all investors. In my first term, we set criteria: if an investor creates 10 jobs and invests a certain amount – tax relief applies. 100 jobs and more investment - even greater relief.
We have a “green corridor” for business – one assigned specialist handles all paperwork and ensures fast, smooth processing. No delays. For example, a large Supportive Electronic Service factory is being built, creating hundreds of jobs. Investors presented their plan, and we approved it quickly and transparently.

You received high ratings for transparency, including from Transparency International and Lithuania’s public procurement agency. How important for you is this?
I’ve told my team clearly: zero tolerance for lack of transparency. If there's even a shadow of doubt, there will be no mercy. We work openly and honestly. Even our municipal building reflects that – no security, no access cards, anyone can come in to meet me or other officials.
We won’t isolate ourselves from people.

You often speak out boldly in the media. Do you consider yourself someone who dares to tell the truth?
I’ve never stayed silent when I see injustice – and never will. For example, when conservatives pushed for the property tax, I publicly showed that it would harm ordinary people the most. Some told me not to speak out. But I wasn’t speaking for myself - I spoke on behalf of people.
We conducted a thorough analysis, showed the data to the public and MPs. It was unpleasant for the government, but the tax wasn’t passed. That saved people from having to pay tax on their first homes. Yes, I was criticized but it was worth it.
And even now I say openly - I’m firmly against taxing people’s primary homes. When I see lies being told to people – I speak up.

Perhaps people value you for that courage and directness?
Before the last parliamentary elections, I warned people – don’t be fooled, the new majority will introduce this tax. But people believed the “new saviors” and voted for them. Now everyone is angry and disappointed. I did my best – I debated, I spoke out.
Always evaluate politicians by their work - not just words. Unfortunately, people are realizing the truth too late – and paying the price from their own pockets. A painful lesson.

Which projects from your ten years as mayor make you most proud?
Sirvintos has completely transformed. Everything we’ve done is important: a new sports complex with a pool, a football stadium, renovated public spaces, improved roads, playgrounds. We have seen major investments in healthcare and education.
I’m proud of the sculpture “Reading Girl” in the Youth Park, honoring poet Justinas Marcinkevicius (a prominent Lithuanian poet, playwright, and cultural figure whose works played a significant role in shaping national identity during the Soviet era; he dies in 2011 – TBT). Even Lithuanian President Nauseda attended the unveiling.
I also personally support the charity initiative “Let’s Share the Warmth of Our Hearts” – this year was its ninth edition. Donors and sponsors support those in need.
Another key initiative is our breast cancer prevention program for women, offering free transport to a top clinic in Vilnius for screenings. It saves lives.
We’re also focusing on Kernave, the first capital of Lithuania and a UNESCO site. Sadly, over ten years, no government has given proper attention or funding. We’ve submitted many projects, but they were ignored. Kernave needs national support, not just local. We’ll now seek EU funding ourselves.

Your entire municipal leadership team is female. Why?
We are likely the only municipality in Lithuania where all four leaders are women: the mayor, deputy mayor, administration director and deputy director. Nearly 90 percent of staff are women, and most institution heads too.
Why? Because women are hardworking, responsible, and empathetic.
We work in harmony – there’s no unhealthy competition. We only compete to deliver the best results.

Sirvintos celebrates its 550th anniversary this year. What does this milestone mean to you?
It’s the third city anniversary I’ve celebrated as mayor. I started with the 540th, then the 545th, and now the 550th. This year is filled with events, concerts, sports festivals, family-friendly fun. A great time to visit!
Every five years we also honor distinguished locals with “Honorary Citizen of Sirvintos Region” awards. This time, for the first time ever, five people were awarded. We also published a special book about the region’s history, a gift for future generations.

In less than two years, municipal elections will be held again. Will you run?
Absolutely! I will l run again. I’m ready to continue the work. Many projects and visions are already underway.
As I said, I’m deeply grateful to the people of Sirvintos for their trust and support – and to my family, especially my husband and children. They are my greatest source of strength.
This year marks a triple anniversary:  Sirvintos’ 550th birthday, the 10th anniversary of your mayoral oath, and your 50th birthday. How will you celebrate?
Ten years ago, on June 21, I turned 40 and took the mayor’s oath on the same day – it was an unforgettable moment. I remember, in the morning, I took the oath, and I has grand birthday celebration in the evening. I’d promised to myself: if I win the election, I’ll celebrate big – and I did! (smiles).
Now at 50, I wonder: is it a lot or a little? Age is just a number, indeed. What matters is how you feel. I’m dedicating this birthday to my beloved husband Jonas – I’ve often been too busy for him. We’ve planned a special trip together…