Lithuanian parliament’s culture committee holds remote meeting on public broadcaster reforms amid disputes
The Lithuanian parliament’s Culture Committee convened remotely on Monday to discuss proposed amendments to the law governing the national broadcaster LRT, sparking disputes over procedural rules and accusations of restricting debate, LRT reports.
Opposition lawmakers criticised the ruling coalition for scheduling the meeting online, alleging an attempt to control participation and limit dissent. Committee chair Kęstutis Vilkauskas defended the format, stating the parliament lacked available space for an in-person session.
Only three opposition MPs attended the committee room in person, while most members joined remotely. Tensions flared during discussions, with opposition factions accusing the majority of “bulldozing” the LRT reforms—referring to rapid, non-transparent decision-making. Vytautas Kernagis of the conservative Homeland Union (TS-LKD) claimed remote meetings allow the chair to mute microphones and silence critics, whereas live sessions had previously forced delays through extensive arguments.
Indrė Kižienė of the Social Democratic Party (LSDP) countered that recent in-person meetings had descended into “obstruction,” disrupting workflow. She argued remote sessions ensure compliance with procedural rules.
After a lunch break, opposition members relocated to Vilkauskas’ office to continue discussions, but he proceeded with the remote meeting from another location. Vilkauskas rejected accusations of bias, acknowledging he personally decides speaking orders—a prerogative not regulated by parliamentary statutes. “Since the Ethics Committee made no ruling, I, as chair, evaluate and decide independently,” he stated.
Journalist Birutė Davidonytė, excluded from the session, filed a complaint with the Ethics and Procedure Commission. Vilkauskas denied wrongdoing, explaining that public and association proposals would be addressed in the next meeting. Daina Gudzinevičiūtė, head of the Journalists’ Professional Association, accused the committee of rushing decisions without proper debate: “The impression is they want to pass these as quickly as possible, avoiding discussion, saving time by minimising participation—essentially revving up the LRT bulldozer, which has been stalling for two weeks now.”
Meanwhile, the Labour Inspectorate launched an investigation into potential overtime violations by committee staff. Parliamentary Chancellor Algirdas Stončaitis said no evidence of unscheduled after-hours work had been found so far.
The amendments to LRT’s governing law have triggered six consecutive weekends of protests by parts of the cultural and journalistic communities. The next demonstration is planned for Saturday.