and Justice, Labour Party, Social Democratic Party of Lithuania and Lithuanian Peasant Popular Union. Political advertisements on TV were banned before the elections, to reduce the influence of money in the elections, but contributing to a dull election campaign. Homeland Union was hoping to return to power for the first time since 2000. Its leader Andrius Kubilius promised that his government would cut income taxes (paid for by introducing a property tax), review VAT exemptions and introduce euro at an unspecified time. Homeland Union was critical of the decision to hold a referendum regarding the Ignalina power plant, but promised to negotiate with the European Commission to postpone its closure. Homeland Union performed well in the municipal elections in 2007 and was hoping to further expand its electorate by actively campaigning on social media. Order and Justice, led by former president Rolandas Paksas, campaigned for change, arguing that there was little difference between the two traditional largest parties, Homeland Union and Social Democrats. Paksas promised to hold a referendum whether to adopt the euro and to maintain a pragmatic relationship with Russia. The Labour Party had experienced upheaval since an investigation in its party finances, and its leader Viktor Uspaskich had been defeated in a bi-election. Labour campaigned on the platform of protecting small and medium enterprises in Lithuania. The party relied on its support in small towns of Lithuania. The Social Democrats, having led the government since 2001, were hoping to continue its run, with Prime Minister Gediminas Kirkilas stating that "the new government cannot be formed without the Social Democrats". As part of the campaign, he once again pledged to introduce progressive taxation in Lithuania and aim to introduce the euro between 2010 and 2012. On the other hand, the party was criticized for failing to tackle important reforms during its time in power and for failing to control budget deficits in times of economic growth. Other major contenders in the elections were the Lithuanian Peasant Popular Union, which had formed part of the government since 2004, the Liberal Movement, which enjoyed substantial support among students and businessmen, and the Liberal and Centre Union, led by former mayor of Vilnius, Artūras Zuokas. Newly formed National Resurrection Party, led by a businessman and a showman Arūnas Valinskas rose to prominence shortly before the elections, with many media personalities among its ranks. In total, 1,583 candidates and 20 electoral lists