Social Democrats question culture deputy minister’s stance on LRT reforms

Lithuania’s ruling Social Democratic Party has expressed dissatisfaction with Deputy Culture Minister Viktoras Denisenko’s position on proposed amendments to the law governing public broadcaster LRT, though Denisenko states he has received no direct signals about potential dismissal, LRT reports.

Denisenko told the ELTA news agency on Friday that he had not been formally informed of any loss of confidence. “I’ve received no direct indications. Everything I hear comes from the media. I wouldn’t comment on rumours, as they appear to be just that—rumours,” he said. He denied feeling pressure from colleagues.

The criticism follows Denisenko’s remarks at a memorial event for the late LRT journalist Vita Liekutė, where attendees were asked whether they believed the government had fulfilled its December pledge to improve the draft LRT law through broader discussion. While most present, including Seimas Speaker Juozas Olekas, raised their hands in agreement, Denisenko did not.

He later explained that while discussions had expanded, the current draft did not reflect the government’s input. “I don’t say this version is catastrophic or entirely flawed, but certain observations could be made,” he said.

Social Democrat faction leader Orinta Leiputė argued that Denisenko’s future should be decided by Culture Minister Vaida Aleknavičienė, as he serves on her team. “If you have proposals as part of the political team, you present them,” she said, confirming the issue was raised in Thursday’s faction meeting. “It was surprising that he claims to have suggestions but doesn’t submit them.”

The controversy comes amid public opposition to the LRT reforms, which include changes to the broadcaster’s governance structure. A protest on Wednesday, titled “Hands off free speech! We won’t surrender,” drew around 10,000 participants outside the Seimas.