Lithuanian language chief sparks outrage over defence of racial terms “negras” and “čigonas”

The head of Lithuania’s State Language Inspectorate, Audrius Valotka, has triggered a wave of criticism after publicly defending the use of the terms negras (a Lithuanian word for a Black person) and čigonas (a term for Romani people), calling them “good, normal words,” LRT.lt reports.

Valotka’s remarks, made in response to a dispute over a grocery store named “Čigono daržas” (“The Romani’s Garden”), argued that the words were not offensive and that objections came only from “a few activists trying to create problems where none exist.” He insisted that “Romani people should not regulate the Lithuanian language” and claimed the term čigonas was a “traditional, good word” rooted in the language.

His comments have drawn sharp condemnation, including from former Culture Minister Simonas Kairys, who questioned how Valotka retained his position despite repeated controversies. “Mr. Valotka is unfit to hold this office,” Kairys wrote on social media, adding that the current Culture Ministry leadership had so far remained silent. The ministry later responded, stating it “categorically disagrees” with Valotka’s views and has summoned him for a meeting on Monday to explain his statements.

The Lithuanian Human Rights Centre also criticised Valotka, emphasising that language reflects societal attitudes. In a statement, the centre noted it had previously urged the Culture Minister in 2025 not to reappoint Valotka, warning that his public remarks spread xenophobic sentiment and stigmatise ethnic minorities. Current Culture Minister Vaida Aleknavičienė stressed that language must reflect “mutual respect and dignity,” adding that public officials should uphold higher ethical standards rather than relying on minimal linguistic norms.