LRT law amendments face criticism as committee chair admits no perfect solution

The chair of Lithuania’s parliamentary Culture Committee, Kęstutis Vilkauskas, has acknowledged ongoing public criticism of proposed amendments to the law governing national broadcaster LRT, stating that no legislation can satisfy everyone, state news agency ELTA reported on Saturday.

Speaking on the *ELTA savaitė* programme, Vilkauskas said the committee continues to seek compromise on key issues, noting that some protester demands had already been addressed. “I’ve never seen a law that suits everyone,” he said. “Most often, you have to look for compromises. I think the Culture Committee has managed to do that so far and agree on such critical points.”

The amendments, initially drafted by a working group assembled by Seimas Speaker Juozas Olekas, have faced scrutiny over provisions easing the dismissal of LRT’s director general. Vilkauskas insisted the current proposal complies with the European Media Freedom Act, adding that LRT itself had actively contributed suggestions during the process. “Many [opposition] proposals were approved through the committee,” he said.

The debate follows Lithuania’s drop to 15th place in the *Reporters Without Borders* press freedom index—down from 14th in 2025 and 13th in 2024. Vilkauskas linked the decline to prolonged discussions over the LRT amendments, including a European Parliament resolution tied to opposition parties’ appeals. “The situation arose because the LRT amendment process was very long,” he said, emphasising that current deliberations differ significantly from past attempts to fast-track changes.

Protests erupted last year after ruling-party lawmakers sought to expedite amendments simplifying the dismissal procedure for LRT’s director general. The latest revisions were introduced in December 2025.