TS-LKD ethics committee responds to Maldeikis criticism: party open to diverse opinions

The Ethics Committee of the Homeland Union–Lithuanian Christian Democrats (TS-LKD) has issued its findings on conservative MP Matas Maldeikis’s public criticism of party leadership, stating that while strategic and ideological debates should be resolved internally, the party remains open to diverse viewpoints, LRT reports.

In its conclusion, the committee recommended that members address key policy and value-based questions through internal party bodies—such as the party council, presidium, policy committee, factions, or local branches—rather than in public forums. “The party is open to discussions and a diversity of opinions,” the statement read.

Maldeikis, a TS-LKD faction member in the Seimas, welcomed the committee’s response, stating his position had been heard. “We are a European party that can openly discuss where we are headed and what we offer to the people of Lithuania. I am glad the Ethics Committee members listened to me,” he told ELTA news agency. He added that such debates strengthen the party as a political community.

Party leader Laurynas Kasčiūnas, who faced criticism from Maldeikis in a Delfi interview last month, called the committee’s decision “completely logical” but reaffirmed his own direction for TS-LKD. “I will continue moving the party to the right—I understand some may dislike this, but I have my course, strong support within the party, and will move forward,” he said.

The ethics review was triggered by Maldeikis’s remarks in April, when he questioned whether Kasčiūnas clearly defined the party’s goals and vision. The Kaunas branch of TS-LKD, led by Jonas Gudauskas, formally requested the committee’s assessment.

Kasčiūnas became party chairman in early 2026, succeeding Gabrielius Landsbergis, who stepped down after TS-LKD’s poor performance in the 2024 Seimas elections.