Lithuanian Paradox: Happy in the world, unhappy at home?

How to explain the phenomenon that being one of the happiest countries in the world, we think that everything is bad in the country, commented on Nerijus Mačiulis, Chief Economist of Swedbank in Lithuania.

– Why are Lithuanian residents remain pessimistic, although their bank accounts are fulfilled, salaries are growing and consumption does not subside?

– Different surveys measure different things. Happiness is a long -term, solid indicator, and joy or well -being is short -lived and can change rapidly. The results of the surveys may vary greatly depending on which day of the month and on which phase of the lunar they were performed. The United Nations Happiness Index, whose data is published annually, is based on a three -year average. This means that results are independent of short -term fluctuations such as salaries or social benefits. This index is based on a standardized, high sample and reliable methodology.

So these are different things. Similarly, the consumer confidence indicator, which is calculated monthly by the State Data Agency, has recently shown a decrease. Although the 18 -month indicator in Lithuania was the highest in the European Union, the Lithuanian population best evaluated their personal financial situation and the country’s economic prospects.

N. Mačiulis. Photo by ELTA

– However, even Lithuanian youth under 30, which are named the happiest people in the world, are decreasing. A month ago, half of the respondents considered themselves optimists, now only 40 percent. What happened?

– Again, let’s not compare to the happiness index. He appreciates the long -term state: how residents see opportunities to realize themselves in the country, how they assess the level of corruption, their income level in the long term and the potential of growth.

Meanwhile, consumer confidence and other consumer surveys are sensitive to change. For example, in recent months, inflation has risen to 4 %, which already creates psychological pressure, even if it has little effect on purchasing power. Discussions about potential tax increases are also concerned to the population – even if the additional financial burden is low, the income of income in the future is in itself reduced.

Full LNK Report – In Video:

– Why are foreigners living in Lithuania so skeptical? Even over 90 percent. They think the situation is getting worse.

– It is very important to pay attention to how the question was formulated and in what context it was asked. I doubt that all immigrants feel bad. However, it must be acknowledged that about 90 % Foreigners who come to Lithuania are low -skilled, often working as carriers, couriers, construction or other sectors that do not require high competencies, and lower salaries. Naturally, these people do not experience great satisfaction. Social and psychological aspects are also important – living away from homeland and family is difficult to feel happy.

– Party voters were also investigated in polls. The largest pessimists are the voters of the Lithuanian Electoral Action-Christian Families Union, the Labor Party and the Nemunas Dawn. Perhaps politics is more important to people than economic well -being?

– quite right. We notice this in many countries. For example, in the United States, consumer expectations fall very greatly and when we look at distribution according to political affiliations, Democrats are currently feeling very poor. As poor as never before. But it is not necessarily directly related to their income or financial capabilities, but rather to dissatisfaction with what is in power. If it is not their party, not politicians representing their ideology, they will feel worse automatically, or at least say they feel bad.