Lithuanian president warns he will veto LRT reforms if political influence on content is allowed

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda has warned he will veto proposed amendments to the national broadcaster LRT’s governing law if they open the door to political interference in its content, *LRT.lt* reports.

Speaking to journalists in Kybartai on Monday, Nausėda criticised the current “truly abnormal” relationship between LRT’s governing council and its administration, where both sides face pressure. He called for clearer divisions of responsibility, with the council focusing on strategic issues—including content oversight—while administration handles day-to-day operations.

“The red line for me would be any external attempt to influence LRT’s content,” Nausėda stated. “If proposals emerge suggesting that authorities or politicians are trying to shape LRT’s programming, that will be my signal to veto the amendments.”

The controversial draft law, expected to return to parliament this week, includes changes such as defining LRT’s mission, expanding its governing council from 12 to 15 members, and creating a new executive board. It also introduces stricter requirements for council members and limits the involvement of other media representatives in LRT’s content production without council approval. The bill has faced criticism from LRT’s administration, journalists, and academics.

Nausėda emphasised that while governance reforms are needed to improve transparency and prevent conflicts, they must not enable political control over editorial decisions.