Lithuanian parliament ethics watchdog launches probe into Kęstutis Vilkauskas’ committee decision

A Lithuanian parliamentary ethics committee has launched an investigation into whether Kęstutis Vilkauskas, chair of the Seimas Culture Committee, violated procedural rules by holding a meeting remotely, public broadcaster LRT reports.

The Seimas Ethics and Procedures Commission began the probe following a complaint from lawmakers Rima Baškienė, Vytautas Juozapaitis, and Vytautas Kernagis. They allege that the May 13 committee session, conducted online, suffered from persistent technical disruptions that hindered participation and discussion.

According to the complaint, Vilkauskas refused to allow committee member Vytautas Juozapaitis to vote on changes to the Ethnic Culture Council’s composition. The chair also allegedly prevented European Parliament member Dainius Žalimas—who holds advisory voting rights in Seimas committees—from verbally presenting remarks during the session.

The lawmakers further claim that due to the meeting’s chaotic conduct, no decision was reached on a key agenda item: the Venice Commission’s urgent opinion on Lithuania’s draft public broadcaster law (bill No. XVP-1247(2)).

Commission chair Viktoras Fiodorov confirmed the investigation, stating it would assess whether Vilkauskas’ actions breached the Seimas Statute or other legal acts. Liberal MP Arminas Lydeka and conservative Aušrinė Norkienė were tasked with preparing findings.

The contested May 13 meeting saw the Culture Committee, dominated by ruling coalition votes, approve amendments to the public broadcaster law despite earlier criticism from the Venice Commission. Opposition calls to extend debate on the Commission’s recommendations were rejected, and only a technical pause was granted.

The draft law, which includes controversial provisions on dismissing the director-general of LRT, had drawn over 150 parliamentary amendments and submissions from 15 organisations and citizens during its preparation.