Lithuanian opposition threatens constitutional court challenge over public broadcaster reforms

The Lithuanian opposition has vowed to challenge recent amendments to the law governing the national broadcaster LRT in the Constitutional Court, arguing the changes undermine free speech and democratic principles, LRT reports.

Virginijus Sinkevičius, leader of the opposition Democratic Union “For Lithuania,” claimed the six-month legislative process ended not in “political triumph” but in widespread public disappointment. In a Facebook post, he accused the ruling coalition of turning parliamentary debate into a “marketplace” rather than a democratic process, driven by personal conflicts with LRT’s director general rather than genuine reform.

“The entire spectacle—accusations against LRT, protests, even alleged constitutional violations—happened solely because some politicians refused to accept a basic democratic truth: not even those in power can change whatever they please,” Sinkevičius wrote. He warned that treating governance “like a monarchy” risks future retaliation when opponents take office.

Liberal Movement MP Eugenijus Gentvilas called the reforms an attempt to “stifle free speech and free-thinking citizens,” framing the coalition’s actions as “dictatorial” and anti-liberal. He noted his party abstained from the vote to avoid legitimising what he called an “unconstitutional act” that could damage Lithuania’s reputation in Europe.

“They didn’t unite to elevate Lithuania but to enforce their authoritarian whims,” Gentvilas said, referencing past EU concerns over media freedom. He dismissed claims that suppressing LRT would protect other outlets, arguing the goal was broader censorship, including of investigations like the Šūdmaišiai scandal.

The amendments, passed Tuesday, have drawn criticism for allegedly politicising LRT’s governance. Opposition factions suggest the changes were rushed without proper consultation, contrasting with standard legislative practice.