Liberal Movement asks anti-corruption agency to review LRT law amendments

The Liberal Movement faction in Lithuania’s parliament has formally requested that the Special Investigation Service (STT) examine whether proposed amendments to the law governing the national broadcaster LRT pose an increased risk of corruption, LRT reports.

In a written appeal, the faction accused the ruling majority of ignoring opposition criticism and public protests while pushing through changes that would transform LRT from a public broadcaster into a “state-friendly” television channel. “From a parliamentary procedure standpoint, this is completely abnormal,” said Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen, the faction’s leader.

Liberal MP Simonas Gentvilas highlighted that the amendments introduce new governance structures—including a new LRT Board and a Council Bureau—while overhauling financial management, state property use, commercial activities, and public service provisions. “The ruling majority refused an expert assessment of this law, so we are asking STT to evaluate it,” he stated.

The proposed changes, drafted by a working group appointed by the Speaker of the Seimas, also restrict other media outlets from operating on LRT’s channels or website without Council approval. Individuals affiliated with other media would only be permitted to contribute to LRT content under strict conflict-of-interest rules.

The amendments follow a failed attempt last December to fast-track separate changes simplifying the dismissal process for LRT’s director-general. The Venice Commission is currently reviewing the latest proposal under an expedited procedure.

A scheduled emergency meeting of the Seimas Culture Committee to discuss the bill was postponed on Tuesday until Wednesday.