Lithuania’s justice ministry acknowledges underfunding in prisons but rejects criticism of Tamašunienė

The Lithuanian Justice Ministry has acknowledged long-standing underfunding of the country’s penal system but rejected criticism of Justice Minister Rita Tamašunienė, LRT reports, citing BNS.

The ministry confirmed that the penal system has been underfunded for years, calling it an “undisputed fact.” It stated that Tamašunienė has actively participated in negotiations to secure increased funding for staff salaries and infrastructure improvements.

“Initial discussions for next year’s budget have already taken place, where the minister clearly highlighted the needs of the penal system. Service leaders are also repeatedly reminded of the necessity to acquire equipment to ensure staff safety, for which budget savings were used last year,” the ministry said.

The ministry added that any decisions on staff transfers must be individually coordinated with each employee. It also noted that Tamašunienė has not initiated any institutional reforms, and that the Lithuanian Prison Service is currently coordinating its structural adjustments with trade unions.

Vitalijus Jagminas, head of the Vilnius Regional Pre-Trial Investigation Institutions Trade Union (VAITĮPS), claimed that Tamašunienė’s failure to oppose reforms initiated by her predecessor, Rimantas Mockus, suggests she has chosen to become the “political guardian” of these changes. Jagminas argued that the reforms appear aimed solely at creating new leadership positions “to place their own people,” despite claims of financial constraints.

The ministry countered that a €36 million agreement with the Norwegian Fund was signed at the end of last year to improve both hard and soft infrastructure in the penal system.

Earlier, three trade unions—the Lithuanian Republic’s Pre-Trial Investigation Institutions Trade Union (LRITĮPS), VAITĮPS, and the Trade Union Centre—announced they had appealed to President Gitanas Nausėda, designated Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius, and the ruling Social Democratic Party’s parliamentary group, expressing no confidence in Tamašunienė.

The unions described Lithuania’s penal system as being in a “critical state,” with modernization projects stalling, a “catastrophic” shortage of staff, and non-competitive wages. They accused the Justice Ministry of failing to provide even minimal necessary funding and ignoring pressing issues.

The unions stated they had repeatedly submitted proposals to address staff recruitment, motivation, working conditions, infrastructure renewal, and system financing, but saw no changes. They did not rule out protests if their arguments continue to be ignored.

Tamašunienė is expected to remain Justice Minister following the cabinet reshuffle, as her name appears on the list of ministerial candidates submitted to the president by the designated prime minister.