Lithuanian opposition demands answers from ministers over data leak scandal

The opposition Homeland Union–Lithuanian Christian Democrats (TS-LKD) and the Democrats “For Lithuania” faction are collecting signatures to demand public answers from two government ministers following a major data breach at Lithuania’s Centre of Registers, LRT reports.

After Centre of Registers director Adrijus Jusas resigned on Monday, TS-LKD leader Laurynas Kasčiūnas called the move “justified” but insisted Economy and Innovation Minister Edvinas Grikšas must also take political responsibility. The opposition factions are pushing for both Grikšas and Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas to address parliament directly.

“The resignation of the Centre of Registers head amid mass data theft is the right step. But questions remain about the political accountability of Economy Minister Edvinas Grikšas,” Kasčiūnas wrote on Facebook. He criticised the government’s narrowing of accountability to criminal liability, arguing that democratic norms require ministers to answer for scandals in their sectors.

The Democrats “For Lithuania” faction announced they are gathering opposition signatures to compel Grikšas and Kaunas to appear before the Seimas (parliament) and answer questions from the floor. Their demands include clarifying when authorities first learned of the breach, why the public was not informed immediately, and what risks emerged for state registers and national security.

Kasčiūnas also accused Interior Minister Vladislavas Kondratovičius and Migration Department leaders of failing to provide public explanations, suggesting an attempt to “bury the problem” and shield influential figures. “The scandal is being localised to the Centre of Registers because it’s politically convenient, but that’s clearly insufficient,” he stated.

The opposition insists the incident—where sensitive data, including military and official records, was leaked—demands broader accountability. Kondratovičius has claimed his ministry engaged in the investigation from the outset, but critics argue delays in public disclosure and unclear safeguards raise further concerns.