Vilnius municipality opposes visit by far-right Polish politician Grzegorz Braun

Vilnius Mayor Valdas Benkunskas announced Friday that the city government opposes a planned visit by Grzegorz Braun, a far-right Polish politician known for eurosceptic and anti-Ukrainian views, along with other members of his Confederation of the Polish Crown party, LRT reports.

In a Facebook post, Benkunskas stated that the municipality formally objects to the party’s event scheduled for May 1 and will notify organisers and law enforcement agencies responsible for public order and security.

“This figure’s party wants to hold an event in Vilnius, and there is a possibility that Braun himself plans to attend,” Benkunskas wrote. “If our Europe and our value system displease you, why do you want to use it—to travel freely to another country and have a platform here to spread your hatred? What have you left in Vilnius?”

Lithuania’s State Security Department (VSD) confirmed Thursday it has no evidence Braun’s visit poses a direct threat to national security. However, the agency warned that his activities and statements “may be incompatible with Lithuania’s national security interests and should be assessed for potential risks to public order.” The VSD has shared its evaluation with the Foreign Ministry, Vilnius municipality, and law enforcement bodies.

Braun reportedly sought permission from Vilnius authorities to hold a gathering in early May. A local cultural centre initially rented space for the event but cancelled the reservation after learning the organisers’ identities.