Lithuania’s public broadcaster reforms face Venice Commission scrutiny

The Venice Commission held hearings on Friday to assess Lithuania’s controversial fast-tracked amendments to the law governing public broadcaster LRT, questioning both ruling coalition and opposition representatives, LRT reports.

Opposition lawmakers—liberal Simonas Kairys and conservative Giedrė Balčytytė—joined ruling coalition members Artūras Zuokas (Mixed Parliamentary Group) and social democrat Indrė Kižienė in the session. Kižienė described the exchange as “warm, good, and productive,” noting the Commission focused on key aspects of the draft law during the hour-long discussion.

The Commission launched an urgent review of the amendments in early March at LRT’s own request. Kižienė said no timeline was given for its final conclusions, though the process was confirmed as expedited.

Liberal MP Kairys declined to discuss specifics but sharply criticised the reforms, arguing that Lithuania’s reputation had already suffered due to the Commission’s involvement. “The fact that the Venice Commission must urgently examine what Juozas Olekas’ working group drafted—and what the Seimas approved at first reading—is itself a reputational blow,” he said, calling for an impartial assessment.

Olekas, a veteran social democrat, acknowledged the shift in Lithuania’s role from a regional example to a subject of international scrutiny. “It’s hard to adjust to being the object of investigation by bodies like the Venice Commission. Lithuania was once seen as a good practice case, an expert voice. Now we’re under examination—that’s the worst feeling and the biggest disappointment,” he said, accusing the ruling parties of failing to grasp the reputational consequences.

Kižienė rejected the criticism, insisting the draft incorporated feedback from academics, legal experts, opposition figures, and journalists. She dismissed Kairys’ remarks as politically motivated, noting his late withdrawal from the working group that shaped the proposal.

The Seimas approved the amendments in a first reading last month with 67 votes in favour, 31 against, and six abstentions. Key changes include the creation of an LRT governing board, a redefined mission statement, adjustments to the Council’s composition, and new grounds for the early dismissal of the director-general. The draft also grants LRT’s Council authority to decide when external media representatives may produce content for the broadcaster.

Over 60 journalists from various outlets and two press freedom organisations had earlier urged lawmakers, the prime minister, and the culture minister to reject the reforms, warning they threatened LRT’s independence. This week, the Lithuanian Journalists’ Professional Association (ŽPA) and the Culture Assembly announced a protest for April 8 in Vilnius’ Independence Square.