Lithuanian culture minister to investigate language inspector’s remarks on ethnic slurs

Lithuania’s Minister of Culture Vaida Aleknavičienė has ordered an inquiry into whether the head of the State Language Inspectorate, Audrius Valotka, crossed ethical lines by defending the use of ethnic slurs in a recent interview.

Speaking to reporters on Monday, Aleknavičienė said the ministry would examine Valotka’s public comments about the words “čigonas” (Roma) and “negras” (Black person), which were published last week by the LRT news portal.

“We will investigate whether the head of an institution overstepped ethical boundaries,” the minister said at the Culture Ministry in Vilnius. She added that public officials must set a higher ethical standard, even when the words in question are considered normative under existing law.

Valotka, who also teaches at Vilnius University, told journalists he would refrain from commenting on the ethics of the remarks while the investigation is under way. He reiterated his view that language belongs to its users and defended his interpretation of the Constitution, the State Language Law and related court rulings.

“The State Language Inspectorate has always, does now and will continue to be guided by the 14th article of the Constitution, the State Language Law and related legislation, mandatory resolutions of the State Lithuanian Language Commission, court rulings and case law,” he said. “Essentially, I said the same things in that interview.”

In the interview, Valotka argued that both “čigonas” and “negras” are acceptable terms. He claimed courts have long recognised “negras” as permissible and described attempts to avoid the word as indoctrination. He also asserted that Roma communities themselves use the phrase “Čigonų laužas” to describe their association.

Aleknavičienė responded last week by stating she categorically disagreed with Valotka’s position and emphasised that public officials must adhere to elevated ethical standards regardless of whether a word is deemed normative.

Vilnius University confirmed it is not taking action against Valotka in his capacity as a lecturer, noting that any academic-ethics review would be handled separately by its Academic Ethics Commission.

The State Language Inspectorate monitors compliance with the State Language Law and related regulations, advises institutions and the public on language use, and conducts public-awareness campaigns.