Lithuania’s media landscape is facing renewed scrutiny as lawmakers debate amendments to legislation governing Lithuanian National Radio and Television (LRT) [[1]]. The proposed changes, which streamline the appointment and dismissal of the public broadcaster’s director-general, have triggered accusations of a purposeful attempt to undermine media independence [[2]]. The escalating dispute is unfolding against a backdrop of fractious political infighting and increasingly sharp rhetoric between governing and opposition parties, raising concerns about the future of public broadcasting in the Baltic nation.
Lithuanian lawmakers are facing criticism after approving amendments to the country’s public broadcasting law that opponents say threaten media freedom. The move comes amid ongoing political clashes and accusations leveled between government officials and opposition figures.
The Seimas, Lithuania’s parliament, on Thursday approved changes to the law governing Lithuanian National Radio and Television (LRT), easing the process for appointing and dismissing the public broadcaster’s director-general. The amendments have sparked outrage from opposition parties, who claim they are designed to exert greater control over independent media.
The debate surrounding the amendments escalated into chaos during a parliamentary session, with opposition members staging a walkout. They say they will not return to proceedings until an expert review of the proposed changes is conducted.
Prior to the vote, MP Eugenijus Gentvilas, a member of the Liberal Movement, reportedly criticized the parliamentary procedure to Seimas Vice-Speaker Raimondas Šukys, alleging a lack of proper registration for the session. Gentvilas also previously called President Gitanas Nausėda “soft” and questioned his leadership, prompting a sharp response from the presidential office.
In the summer, President Nausėda, through his advisor Frederikas Jansonas, labeled Gentvilas as “old political trash,” stating, “Mr. Eugenijus Gentvilas is old political trash that voters have not yet bothered to pick up and throw in the trash can.” Jansonas, speaking to Žinių radijus, reiterated the president’s statement verbatim.
Gentvilas had previously apologized for a separate remark where he suggested that increases in parliamentary salaries over the past 15 years might only impress “vagrants.” “I understand that such a phrase could have offended many people, especially those with the lowest incomes. Therefore, I apologize to everyone without reservation. I like to joke, but I understand how risky that is and it doesn’t always work,” he said.
The controversy extends beyond the LRT amendments. Students and youth organizations staged a protest Friday, erecting a wooden coffin in front of the Seimas to symbolize what they perceive as the failure of the ruling Social Democratic Party to deliver on its “State that Works” program. Approximately 20 people participated in the initial demonstration, with organizers hoping for larger turnout throughout the day.
A photograph of Gentvilas standing near the wooden coffin was used by MP Raimundas Žemaitaitis in a social media post, where he wrote, “Is the Seimas burying its values? ‘Old political trash,’ buried freedom of speech yesterday and protected Monikutės’ bed. Now (€2100). Perhaps vagrants think that’s a lot.” The comment appears to reference both Gentvilas’ earlier remark about parliamentary salaries and the ongoing political turmoil.
The LRT amendments are scheduled to return to the Seimas plenary session on December 16 for further consideration, following a review by the Culture Committee. The move underscores the growing tensions between the government and opposition regarding media independence in Lithuania.
