Biržai monument to Dauguvietis sparks controversy over Stalin image

A recently unveiled monument to actor and director Borisas Dauguvietis in Biržai has sparked criticism after locals noticed a Soviet-era medal bearing Joseph Stalin’s image on the figure’s lapel, LRT.lt reports.

The bronze bust, created in 1955 by sculptor Rapolas Jakimavičius and architect Juozas Vaškevičius, was originally installed in Vilnius before being transferred to Biržai last year. It was officially unveiled on June 21 in a ceremony attended by Biržai District Mayor Kęstutis Knizikevičius.

Irutė Varzienė, chair of the Biržai District Municipality’s Historical Memory Commemoration Commission, stated that the Soviet-era bust should never have been erected in Biržai. She argued that such works do not honor the artist but instead dishonor him, as they are tied to the oppressive regime. Varzienė confirmed that local officials were unaware of the Stalin image on the medal until after the unveiling.

“We didn’t know about the Stalin image on the lapel. We didn’t know the exact history—it’s only becoming clear now,” she said. Varzienė added that the mayor had previously framed the monument’s relocation as a solution after Vilnius authorities could not find a suitable location for it, given Dauguvietis’s ties to the Biržai region.

A reader who contacted LRT questioned how officials overlooked the detail, emphasizing that Lithuania has spent decades removing Soviet symbols and debating historical memory. “This is not about Dauguvietis’s artistic legacy. It’s about public accountability, historical memory policy, and transparent decision-making,” the reader wrote.

The bust was originally placed in the courtyard of the Lithuanian National Drama Theatre in 1957, later moved to Odminių Square in 1974, and remained there until 2003. In 2011, a decision was made to relocate it near Vilnius’s Old Theatre, but this plan was never implemented. The monument was later restored using Vilnius municipality funds before being transferred to Biržai.