Lithuanian government denies seeking control over public broadcaster’s content

The Lithuanian government has no intention of controlling or interfering in the editorial output of the national public broadcaster LRT beyond its existing mandate, Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė stated on Wednesday, ELTA reports.

Speaking to journalists, Ruginienė dismissed claims that proposed amendments to LRT’s governing law would allow the government to dictate content, emphasising that executive involvement would remain limited to the framework set by existing regulations.

“This government does not seek to control LRT’s content or interfere beyond what is established in the procedure approved by government resolution. We will operate strictly within those boundaries,” she said.

The prime minister’s comments follow calls from some lawmakers to amend LRT’s statute to require the broadcaster to carry out government assignments. Critics argue such a move could politicise editorial decisions by compelling LRT to produce specific programmes at the state’s direction.

Ruginienė acknowledged that while individual MPs may propose initiatives, the government’s role is clearly defined by a 2025 audit from the National Audit Office (Valstybės kontrolė). That review recommended improving transparency in procurement, clarifying asset management rules, and strengthening financial oversight—measures the government has pledged to implement.

“We see our task as fulfilling the scope outlined by the National Audit Office,” she said. “Our focus will be on increasing transparency in public service procurement so that society is better informed.”

A parliamentary working group’s draft amendments to LRT’s law—approved in a first reading last week by 67 votes to 31, with six abstentions—include reforms to the broadcaster’s governance structure, changes to its supervisory council, and new grounds for the early dismissal of its director-general.