Lithuanian culture ministry proposes disciplinary action over state language chief’s remarks on ethnic slurs

A government ethics commission has concluded that Audrius Valotka, head of Lithuania’s State Language Inspectorate, violated professional conduct rules with public statements defending the use of the terms “čigonas” (a slur for Roma) and “negras” (a slur for Black people), LRT.lt reports.

The Culture Ministry’s commission found Valotka’s remarks—made in a March interview with LRT.lt—were “evaluative, generalising, derogatory, and emotionally biased” toward specific ethnic and social groups. Such statements were deemed incompatible with the obligations of a civil servant, damaging the inspectorate’s reputation and undermining public trust in the institution.

The commission determined Valotka breached the Law on State Service by violating principles of impartiality, respect for human rights, and the duty to uphold state institutions. It recommended Culture Minister Vaida Aleknavičienė issue a formal reprimand, which she has approved.

Valotka’s comments came amid controversy over a Kaunas plant shop named “Čigono daržas” (“Gypsy Garden”). In the interview, he argued both “čigonas” and “negras” were “good, normal words,” citing their historical use in Lithuanian language and literature. He dismissed criticism from Roma activists, stating, “Roma do not get to regulate the Lithuanian language,” and claimed objections to the terms were “completely unconvincing.”

Romų integracijos centro (Roma Integration Centre) director Konsuela Mačiulevičiūtė previously told LRT.lt that “čigonas” is widely perceived as offensive within the Roma community and contradicts principles of respectful communication. She called for “open dialogue” rather than “public denigration or identity exposure.”