Kelmė deputy mayor asks court to clarify military service rules

Kelmė Deputy Mayor Tadas Kasparas says allegations that he is evading compulsory military service are false and has asked a court to clarify whether his municipal role entitles him to defer service, LRT reported.

The 26-year-old politician, who belongs to the Nemuno aušra party, confirmed he is on the conscript list. He said his medical assessment is still under way and that he has followed all instructions and attended appointments on time.

Kasparas said he was summoned for a medical examination in Panevėžys, where he received referrals for further tests. The assessment process can take up to 120 days, he said, adding that this deadline had not yet expired. He said he was still waiting for some tests and had not been told whether he was medically fit for service.

Claims that Kasparas might be avoiding service spread on social media on Friday. They were shared by Aivaras Norbutas, a public figure and folk artist, who questioned whether the deputy mayor had ignored requests to report to the military commandant’s office and whether he had really asked a court to rule on the matter.

Kasparas said he wants the court to determine whether deputy mayors can defer service. He noted that the Military Conscription Law allows deferments for serving state and municipal politicians, including members of parliament, mayors and municipal council members, but does not specifically mention deputy mayors.

He also argued that the rules should allow deputy mayors to balance military service with their municipal duties. Kasparas said 5,320 young people are due to be called up this year, while 8,100 volunteers have expressed interest in serving.