Social democrats consider changing Genocide Centre’s subordination, propose transferring it to Ministry of Defence

Lithuanian Social Democratic Party members are considering restructuring the Lithuanian Genocide and Resistance Research Centre (LGGRTC) and transferring it under the Ministry of Defence, BNS reports.

The proposal comes as the Seimas has not appointed a new director for the centre. Social Democrat Laurynas Šedvydis, chair of the Seimas Human Rights Committee, suggested that moving the centre under the Ministry of Defence would align it with institutions that have a direct interest in preserving and promoting the memory of Lithuania’s resistance.

“One of the best solutions would be to transfer the Genocide and Resistance Research Centre from an institution under the Seimas to one under the Ministry of Defence,” Šedvydis said. He argued that the centre needs a “steward” who would genuinely care about its work and protect it from political disputes in the Seimas.

Darius Jakavičius, chair of the Seimas Commission for the Struggle for Freedom and Historical Memory of the State, also supports the idea. He noted that the Ministry of Defence has stable funding and already oversees institutions like the Vytautas the Great War Museum. Jakavičius believes the change could depoliticise the centre, which has faced political tensions, particularly with the adoption of the Desovietisation Law.

Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas, also a Social Democrat, said he was hearing the proposal for the first time. While acknowledging the need for stability, he cautioned that the Ministry of Defence already has a broad range of responsibilities, including oversight of rehabilitation centres and cadet schools. Kaunas emphasised that the ministry’s primary focus should remain on ensuring Lithuania’s defence and security.

Arūnas Streikus, chair of the LGGRTC council, expressed scepticism, questioning how an institution under a ministry could be depoliticised. He noted that recent legal changes, including the establishment of an expert council, were attempts to reduce political influence over the centre.