Lithuanian interior minister nominee apologises for comparing officials to OMON

Lithuania’s designated interior minister, Martynas Katelynas, has apologised for comparing Lithuanian officials to OMON, a special police unit in Russia, acknowledging that the remark may have caused offence, LRT reports.

In an interview with LRT’s Dienos tema programme, Katelynas addressed current challenges, including migration control, drug prevention in schools, and combating contraband. He stated that Lithuania’s migration situation is currently under control but recognised the potential for increasing migrant numbers. He emphasised the need to learn from Western European countries’ experiences with migration to avoid repeating their mistakes.

On drug prevention in schools, Katelynas ruled out mass police raids but suggested strengthening patrols around schools and consulting with service leaders to identify problem areas. He stressed that drug use among youth should not be overlooked, as recent focus has been on contraband due to its threat to civil aviation, such as through meteorological balloons and drones.

Regarding contraband, Katelynas noted recent successes, such as the downing of four drones carrying contraband near Druskininkai by border guards. He aims to further empower police and border guards to take active measures against smuggling. He acknowledged that corruption within the interior system, involving officials collaborating with smugglers, remains a concern and called for strengthening the system’s integrity to ensure no official is above the law.

Katelynas also recognised that low wages may contribute to corruption among officials but did not provide specific plans for salary increases. He previously faced criticism for comparing Lithuanian officials to OMON, a comment he now regrets.