Lithuanian MPs propose constitutional change to simplify immunity waiver process

A cross-party group of Lithuanian lawmakers has submitted a draft constitutional amendment to simplify the procedure for waiving a parliamentarian’s legal immunity, state news agency ELTA reported on Monday.

Under the proposed change, a Seimas member’s written consent to lift their immunity would eliminate the need for a parliamentary vote. Currently, the Constitution’s Article 62 requires Seimas approval before an MP can face criminal prosecution, detention, or other restrictions on their freedom.

The amendment, initiated by conservative MP Jurgis Razma, would introduce a new provision allowing an MP to voluntarily waive immunity in a specific case without requiring a separate parliamentary decision. Razma argued the change would prevent “inadequate situations” where a lawmaker agrees to prosecution but the Seimas fails to approve the waiver.

“Adopting this amendment would not only allow an MP to personally decide whether to waive immunity in a given case but also avoid additional procedural steps in parliament,” Razma said.

The proposal has been signed by representatives of the conservative, liberal, democratic, social democratic, and rural factions, as well as the Mixed Group of MPs.

Two lawmakers—Saulius Skvernelis and Gintautas Paluckas—have already indicated they will consent to simplified immunity waivers amid ongoing investigations, though both deny wrongdoing.

Constitutional amendments in Lithuania require a two-stage approval process in the Seimas, with a minimum three-month interval between votes. Each vote must secure at least 94 ayes—the support of two-thirds of all 141 MPs.

An attempt to lower the voting age to 16 in local elections failed in April after falling short in the first reading.