The President Who First Proclaimed the State

The logic of authority in the Republic of Užupis fits into one sentence: the president proclaimed the state, and the citizens appointed him president. This is neither an election result nor a coup, but mutual recognition - the same as citizenship in Užupis: not granted from above, but chosen.

Romas Lileikis is a film director, poet and cinematic chronicler, one of the first people to move into the then neglected and badly reputed district of Užupis. He is one of the key organisers of Užupis celebrations and events, the author of the Constitution and anthem, and the maker of films about Užupis, including "K+M+B" (2001) and "Sasha" (2006).

The president's office in Užupis is not an administrative post with a cabinet and stamps. It is more the role of author and inspirer: he articulates the Republic's values, speaks at the main celebrations and takes part in the flag ceremony each year on Independence Day. Decisions in the Republic are made not by the president alone, but by the Parliament, through common agreement.

His own speeches best carry the president's voice. In 2015, marking the Republic's nineteenth year, he said:

"For nineteen years, the age of the Republic of Užupis and its idea, we learned not to be clever, not rich, not happy - we learned to be together. [...] We built not buildings, but Homes. These are very different things."

That thought contains the essence of the presidency: in Užupis, to lead means not to rule, but to keep alive the feeling of being together.

Further work: add a separate page on the president's films and creative work; link to an archive of his speeches; tell the history of relations with the neighbouring Republic of Lithuania, including the 2004 treaty of friendship.