Lithuanian culture minister accuses lawmakers of obstructing public broadcaster reforms
Lithuania’s Culture Minister Vaida Aleknavičienė has criticised some lawmakers for deliberately disrupting discussions on proposed amendments to the law governing the country’s public broadcaster LRT, state news agency ELTA reported Tuesday.
Speaking to journalists after a meeting of the Seimas Culture Committee, Aleknavičienė said the committee’s chair was attempting to lead a constructive dialogue but faced obstruction from certain members. “We see attempts by some Seimas members to introduce destruction into the committee, and this work is indeed being delayed,” she stated.
The minister expressed frustration that a working group had sought broad participation in drafting the amendments, yet encountered “clear opposition and resistance” from lawmakers. Despite the challenges, she said she remained hopeful that parliamentarians would ultimately reach a compromise. “I strongly believe in the Seimas members and think they will make the best decision in the end,” Aleknavičienė added.
The committee resumed deliberations Tuesday on roughly 80 proposed amendments to the Law on Lithuanian National Radio and Television (LRT). Committee chair Kęstutis Vilkauskas previously noted that the volume of submissions made it difficult to predict when discussions would conclude.
A previous session on Friday was cut short amid procedural disputes, prompting a referral to the Seimas Ethics and Procedures Commission. The proposed amendments, drafted by a working group led by Seimas Speaker Juozas Olekas, include establishing a governing board for LRT, restructuring its council, and revising the process for dismissing the director-general.
The changes would also prohibit other media outlets from operating on LRT’s channels or website without council approval. Individuals affiliated with other media would only be permitted to contribute to LRT content under strict editorial policies and conflict-of-interest declarations.
The Venice Commission is reviewing the amendments under an expedited procedure. Last week, around 10,000 people attended a protest in Vilnius under the slogan “Hands off free speech! We will not surrender,” opposing the reforms. Another demonstration is planned for this week.
The latest amendments follow a failed attempt last December by ruling coalition lawmakers to fast-track different changes, including a simplified procedure for dismissing LRT’s director-general.