Lithuanian parliament delays emergency debate on public broadcaster LRT reforms

The Lithuanian parliament’s Culture Committee cancelled an emergency meeting on proposed amendments to the law governing the national broadcaster LRT on Tuesday, postponing discussions until its regular session on Wednesday, BNS reports.

Committee chairman Kęstutis Vilkauskas announced the decision after consultations with legal advisors, stating: “We reviewed the situation with lawyers and decided not to hold today’s meeting. The session will take place tomorrow during the scheduled committee meetings on Wednesday.”

The amendments, initially slated for debate on Monday, were deferred after the committee failed to review all proposals. An emergency session was called for Tuesday, originally set for 11:00 but delayed until 13:00. Conservative MP Vytautas Juozapaitis immediately challenged its legitimacy, citing Seimas regulations requiring at least two working days’ notice for such meetings.

“I must note that yesterday’s committee session concluded its work,” Juozapaitis argued. “A break in discussions does not mean a break in the session. Today is a separate meeting. Frankly, the need for a multi-hour working session during plenary meetings still lacks clear justification—this looks like political bulldozing.”

Other committee members proposed further delays after the Liberal Movement faction formally requested an anti-corruption assessment from the Special Investigations Service (STT). In a statement, Liberals claimed the proposed LRT law revisions—covering state asset management, public procurement, and service provision—could heighten corruption risks under Lithuania’s Corruption Prevention Law.

Democrat MP Rima Baškienė questioned whether proceedings could continue without the STT’s findings: “We should clarify whether legislative discussions must pause once a relevant agency is consulted. Until we receive their conclusion, we cannot proceed.” She also emphasised the need to respect institutions and experts invited to participate, noting inconsistent notifications about session timings.

Committee chairman Vilkauskas briefly opened the session before proposing a lunch break until 14:00, a motion supported by colleague Indrė Kižienė. Kižienė cited the day’s packed schedule, stating: “Debates and votes in the plenary hall have dragged on since 9:00 without a break. I propose we reconvene at 14:00 to resume where we left off yesterday—focusing on this bill, not procedural remarks.”

The Seimas had authorised the emergency session Tuesday morning, but protracted plenary debates prevented its start before afternoon. Vilkauskas noted that reconvening in the evening would require renewed parliamentary approval, making Wednesday’s regular slot the practical choice.