Lithuanian MP Balsys warns ruling social democrats over LRT law: conflicts with media lead nowhere

Linas Balsys, a member of the Lithuanian parliament’s social democrat faction and a former journalist, has criticised his party’s push to amend public broadcaster LRT’s legal status, warning that confrontations with the media serve no political purpose, LRT reports.

The MP, who is not a member of the Lithuanian Social Democratic Party (LSDP) but sits with its parliamentary group, said he had repeatedly questioned the rationale behind the proposed changes during faction meetings—only to receive vague responses. “I warned in advance that this would trigger an international backlash, and indeed, the European Parliament’s social democrat group has condemned the move,” Balsys told ELTA news agency.

He suggested the amendments may stem from an undisclosed agreement between parts of the social democrat faction and their coalition partners, the liberal “Nemuno aušra” (Dawn of Nemunas) group. “The train keeps moving, but no one explains why. Logical arguments aren’t being heard,” he said, adding that the party risks self-destruction by alienating public trust.

Balsys claimed that while the faction’s leadership supports the changes, dissent exists among its ranks. “Some members vote in favour but disagree in their hearts,” he said, noting that fear or reluctance to challenge the party line may prevent open opposition. The LSDP faction in parliament comprises 51 members.

Referring to Hungary’s media crackdown as a cautionary example, Balsys argued that the dispute over LRT’s independence poses a broader threat to press freedom. “Conflicts with the media lead only to political defeat. Even if you win by suppressing them, voters will turn away,” he said.

The MP also dismissed suggestions that his public criticism had provoked backlash within the faction. “No one has confronted me directly—neither after my remarks at a recent LRT forum event nor in faction meetings,” he stated.