Lithuanian public broadcaster reforms face sharp criticism over constitutional violations

A government-proposed reform of Lithuania’s public broadcaster LRT violates constitutional principles and risks turning the country into a subject of international scrutiny, constitutional law professor Toma Birmontienė warned during a parliamentary hearing on Monday, LRT.lt reports.

The draft law, currently under review by the Seimas Culture Committee, fails to meet constitutional standards and European legal norms, according to Birmontienė, a former judge at Lithuania’s Constitutional Court. She described the proposed changes as a form of censorship and political interference in LRT’s editorial independence.

Constitutional and structural concerns

Birmontienė criticised the bill for narrowly redefining LRT’s mission in a way that undermines its autonomy, despite prior rulings by the Constitutional Court. “A public broadcaster’s mission is not just words—it requires genuine independence to fulfil it,” she stated.

The proposal to establish a separate LRT governing board alongside its existing council would create redundant bureaucracy and internal censorship, she argued. “This structure is excessive, violates institutional independence, and raises questions about funding. We demand cost-cutting yet propose expanding administration—it makes no sense.”

Political motives and international risks

The professor condemned attempts to simplify the dismissal of LRT’s director-general as “blatant personalisation,” warning that the reforms could trigger legal challenges at the EU Court of Justice. “If we ignore our own Constitution and judicial doctrine, international bodies will treat us like Hungary, Slovakia, or Poland—turning us into a case study for democratic backsliding,” she said.

Birmontienė also questioned the timing of the reforms, calling political efforts to “discipline” LRT during a period of social tension misguided. “Politicians must accept criticism—it’s part of the job,” she said, adding that public resistance would persist even if the bill passed. “Lithuania is not a country that stays silent. This will draw attention from the European Commission and Parliament. Do we really want that kind of notoriety?”