Protesters demand presidential action and condemn social democrats over media freedom threats

A sixth consecutive protest defending free speech took place in Vilnius on Saturday, this time shifting from the Seimas to the capital’s central Cathedral Square, where demonstrators sharply criticised Lithuania’s social democrats and the president, warning that their promises could no longer be trusted, LRT.lt reports.

Speakers at the “Hands Off Free Speech! We Won’t Back Down” rally accused ruling parties of undermining democratic values, with actor Paulius Markevičius declaring: “I’m here because what’s happening in our country right now is not normal.” Publicist and teacher Donatas Puslys framed the protest as a lesson for future generations, stating that resistance to “bulldozer politics” must be personal and relentless.

Historian Nerijus Šepetys drew parallels with Soviet-era censorship, arguing that current attacks on free speech—symbolised by proposed legal changes to national broadcaster LRT—were not just targeting journalists but society’s own right to expression. “Those who unleashed the bulldozer [a protest symbol] are against our free speech, even their own. They’ve replaced it with natural or feigned stupidity,” he said.

The protest, which began gathering at 15:00 local time with official speeches from 16:00, saw organisers urge participants to remain peaceful and report any provocations to police. Earlier this week, a symbolic bulldozer—representing controversial amendments to LRT’s governance—was placed near the Seimas by journalist and cultural groups. The proposed changes include creating a new governing board, expanding the broadcaster’s council, altering dismissal procedures for its director-general, and restricting journalists from other outlets in LRT programming.

Critics, including media experts, warn the amendments would compromise LRT’s independence. The bulldozer will remain outside parliament during debates on the bill.