Lithuanian journalists’ association urges president to veto public broadcaster law

The Lithuanian Journalists’ Professional Association has called on President Gitanas Nausėda to veto recent amendments to the country’s national radio and television law, warning of potential constitutional violations, LRT.lt reports.

In a formal appeal, the association—representing over 90% of professional journalists—argued the law fails to align with recommendations from the Venice Commission, the Council of Europe’s advisory body on constitutional matters. Experts have flagged one provision, set to take immediate effect, as particularly contentious: it governs the dismissal procedure for the director-general of Lithuanian National Radio and Television (LRT) and could be applied retroactively to the current leadership.

The Venice Commission had advised that any revised dismissal rules should apply only to directors appointed after the law’s enactment, to avoid ad personam legal acts. The international press freedom group Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has also criticised the clause, which risks undermining editorial independence.

While most amendments are slated to enter force in 2028, the dismissal provision would take effect immediately upon the president’s signature. The association’s statement emphasised that lawmakers had rejected calls to delay its implementation, despite the Venice Commission’s objections.

The appeal urges Nausėda to return the law to parliament for revision, ensuring compliance with constitutional standards and international recommendations.