Patterns of Descriptive Representation in Lithuania: Are There Any Notable Differences Among Lithuanian Political Parties’ MPs?

The paper will focus on key indicators of descriptive representation of the Lithuanian parliament (Seimas). The current formation elected in 2024 will be compared with the previous ones. The paper foremost will investigate whether there are notable differences how these parliaments are composed, regarding social-class variety among MPs from respective terms of office. Social-class identity of MPs will be established by applying Oesch (2006) conceptual model. Other criteria, such as gender, age, and education will also be considered. It will also explore whether MPs elected in different constituencies (single-mandate vs. multi-mandate districts), as well as belonging to political parties at the different ends of political spectrum, and of different origin (for e.g. mainstream parties vs. unorthodox ones) have distinct societal characteristics. As the research is still in process, so far tentatively, we argue that there are no significant differences among MPs in terms of social class, gender, age, and other socio-demographic parameters despite they belong to political parties of rival ideologies or of different origin (for e.g. mainstream vs unorthodox parties). This in turn may signify somewhat similar mechanisms of elite recruitment across political spectrum. We also find that the Lithuanian legislature is highly elitist in terms of both education and class. Most MPs come from the upper-service class, with higher-grade managers and administrators comprising its lion share. Meanwhile, although the share of women and youth is gradually increasing since Lithuania regained independence, it still does not reflect actual societal proportions. Some following comparative reflections will also be drawn in the light of developments in other countries in East-Central Europe.