Lithuanian parliament approves Gintaras Goda as Supreme Court justice

The Lithuanian parliament on Tuesday approved President Gitanas Nausėda’s nomination of Gintaras Goda as a justice of the Supreme Court of Lithuania, following a secret ballot, LRT reports.

Seventy-two lawmakers voted in favour of Goda’s appointment, while 23 opposed it and five abstained. The decision takes effect upon its official publication.

Addressing parliament before the vote, Goda highlighted his extensive legal experience, including nearly a decade at the Constitutional Court. He noted his continued engagement with criminal law during his tenure there, as well as his teaching role at Vilnius University’s Faculty of Law.

“When I left the Supreme Court for the Constitutional Court, I told my colleagues that I hoped to return to the Supreme Court at the end of my legal career,” Goda said. “I believe my nine years at the Constitutional Court—where I regularly dealt with criminal law cases involving constitutional compliance—have preserved my expertise in criminal law. My experience and knowledge will allow me to successfully resume work at the Supreme Court, particularly in criminal cases.”

Goda previously served as a justice of the Supreme Court and the Supreme Administrative Court, as well as a member of Lithuania’s Central Electoral Commission. His career also includes roles in the Court of Appeal, the Ministry of Justice, and the parliamentary chancellery. From 2023 to 2026, he led the Constitutional Court as its president.