Lithuanian MP faces ethics probe over insults against soldiers

The Lithuanian parliament’s Ethics and Procedures Commission has decided to investigate whether MP Vitalijus Šeršniovas violated principles of human dignity and respect for the state after he called soldiers “idiots” and “inadequate people,” LRT reports.

During a June parliamentary debate on amendments to the Weapons and Ammunition Control Law, Šeršniovas claimed that the military included “people from all sorts of backgrounds,” adding that many soldiers were “irresponsible,” “idiots,” and “not very adequate individuals.”

“Hundreds of soldiers served with me, and I want to draw the attention of everyone in this hall who has served—think about it, among those soldiers there were irresponsible people. Truly, a whole pile of idiots. Many idiots have completed Lithuanian service,” he said.

Later, Šeršniovas admitted his remarks were “too harsh” and that he had not intended to offend servicemembers. He also stated that he himself had served and did not consider himself an idiot.

Eighteen MPs from conservative and liberal factions requested the ethics watchdog review his statements. The proposed amendments to the Weapons and Ammunition Control Law, which were not approved, aimed to allow conscripts who have completed basic military training—excluding professional and volunteer reserve soldiers assigned to military units—to purchase and possess certain Category A firearms, including automatic rifles, for practical skills development.