Lithuanian MP stands by proposal to abolish de-Sovietisation commission as unnecessary

The head of the Seimas Committee on Freedom Struggles and Historical Memory, social democrat Darius Jakavičius, remains committed to dismantling Lithuania’s so-called de-Sovietisation commission, dismissing it as redundant despite counterarguments from the Ministry of Culture, LRT reports.

Jakavičius insisted that municipalities are fully capable of making decisions under existing laws without centralised oversight. “What we see most often are disputes over street names—this falls entirely within municipal authority, and they can resolve it without a commission,” he told ELTA. He also questioned whether the state should mandate the relocation of Soviet military graves, arguing that cities could initiate such moves independently and seek approval from the Lithuanian Genocide and Resistance Research Centre (LGGRTC) if needed.

The Ministry of Culture earlier this month submitted conclusions to the government opposing the commission’s abolition. It warned that decentralising decisions could lead to inconsistent application of legal norms, with identical Soviet-era symbols evaluated differently across municipalities. The ministry also cautioned that local politics—rather than objective historical or legal criteria—could drive decisions, risking conflicts within communities. Not all municipalities have sufficient resources to handle such cases, it added.

Currently, the commission reviews municipal proposals on Soviet-era objects and issues non-binding recommendations to the LGGRTC, whose director makes the final ruling. Under Jakavičius’ proposed amendments—backed by the Seimas in November—municipalities would decide independently within six months, consulting the LGGRTC only for advisory input.

The ministry’s proposal retains the commission but shifts its appointment from the Seimas to a council formed by the LGGRTC director.