Lithuanian PM says she did not notice recording device in Social Democrat meeting

Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė stated she was unaware of a covert recording device found during a Lithuanian Social Democratic Party (LSDP) council meeting, praising security officers for handling the situation, LRT reports.

Speaking to journalists, Ruginienė said the incident was unexpected and that she had never encountered such a situation before. “I am very pleased with the State Protection Department (VAT) officers who protect me every day. I truly want to commend their vigilance—thanks to them, this situation was managed,” she said.

“An unusual situation, likely surprising for many colleagues as well. I personally have never faced such a case in all our meetings. We could never have guessed that someone might be listening or recording additionally,” she added, expressing trust in law enforcement and journalistic investigations.

The Vilniaus District Police launched a pre-trial investigation after the LSDP reported finding a voice-recording device in their closed council meeting last Friday. The party suspects the device may have belonged to LRT journalist Eglė Samoškaitė, who denies the allegations.

Samoškaitė has announced she will pause her membership in the Journalists’ Professional Association and step back from LRT’s protest initiative group while the investigation is ongoing. She will also temporarily stop hosting the national broadcaster’s program Dienos tema and avoid reporting on LSDP-related topics until legal conclusions are reached.

No charges have been filed in the case so far.