Lithuanian coalition MP says all his “red lines” on LRT law changes already crossed

Coalition lawmaker Kęstutis Vilkauskas, chair of the Seimas Culture Committee, has acknowledged that his own previously stated limits on amendments to Lithuania’s public broadcaster LRT have already been exceeded, reports LRT.

Speaking on LRT Television’s programme Savaitė (The Week), Vilkauskas addressed ongoing protests against proposed legal changes to LRT’s governance, which critics argue threaten editorial independence. A fresh demonstration is planned for Tuesday, the latest in a series of rallies that temporarily stalled the ruling coalition’s push for reforms late last year.

“All my red lines have already been crossed,” Vilkauskas admitted, though he insisted current discussions on the revised draft law—adjusted after feedback from legal experts and the Venice Commission—were proceeding “optimally and normally.” He emphasised that public debate and civic engagement remained vital, but stressed that free speech “must be meaningful, not offensive or demeaning, and as objective as possible.”

The amended bill, now under review by the Culture Committee, would expand LRT’s governing council from 12 to 15 members—though politicians or their appointees would still retain a majority. Vilkauskas defended the changes, arguing they align with standards applied across Lithuania’s public sector, including “flawless reputation” requirements for leadership roles.

Opponents, however, point to 47 legal objections raised by Seimas jurists, warnings from the Venice Commission and European Parliament, and a joint appeal from 26 international organisations urging compliance with the EU’s Media Freedom Act. The European Commission has formally requested clarification on how the reforms square with EU media freedom guarantees.

Vilkauskas countered that earlier criticism targeted a “much harsher” initial draft, claiming the current version focuses primarily on “management efficiency and financial oversight.” He acknowledged that final decisions—including controversial provisions like the immediate dismissal of LRT’s director-general—would require further committee debate, though he framed such measures as consistent with civil service norms.

Protesters, including LRT staff, have repeatedly accused the government of political interference, warning that the changes could undermine the broadcaster’s autonomy and restrict editorial content, such as barring certain journalists from hosting programmes.