Lithuanian Parliament Advances Controversial Public Broadcaster Law Amidst Public Protests
The Lithuanian Seimas, the nation’s parliament, has moved forward with amendments to the Law on Lithuanian National Radio and Television (LRT) that would streamline the dismissal process for the head of the public broadcaster, sparking concerns about media independence and triggering significant public backlash.
The push for the changes originated after an initial project submitted by Remigius Žemaitaitis faced opposition from within the ruling Lithuanian Social Democratic Party (LSDP). According to a member of the LSDP faction, R. Motuzas, the initial proposal was deemed “rougher” and “more unclear,” with dismissal criteria considered overly vague. “With only half of the votes, the general director of LRT and others can be dismissed,” Motuzas explained on the LRT program “Dienos Tema” on Thursday. “That’s what all the faction members said, that you can’t fire a person anyway.”
To circumvent this impasse, a revised project was registered, prompting accusations of political maneuvering. Motuzas stated that the decision to register the new project was driven by a procedural necessity – avoiding a return to considering Žemaitaitis’s original, rejected proposal. He admitted to only “partially” believing the explanation, noting the revised project represented a “partial” change from the initial initiative.
The amended legislation, approved by the Seimas on Thursday, proposes that the LRT general director be appointed and dismissed by a secret ballot of the broadcaster’s council. Dismissal could occur due to a lack of confidence, triggered by failure to fulfill legal obligations or disapproval of the annual activity report, requiring a vote of at least seven out of twelve council members. A further stipulation requires that any expression of no confidence be based on public interest and supported by at least eight out of twelve council members.
The amendments were supported by the ruling Social Democrats, the “Peasant” and “Aushrian” parties. However, the process has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties. Daiva Ulbinaitė, a member of the opposition conservative faction, questioned the Social Democrats’ motives, stating, “What did you promise to do, but that we cannot trust you?”
The Seimas has also begun considering a separate amendment proposed by the “Aushrian” and “Peasant” parties, which would allow for dismissal by a simple majority vote of the LRT council following a no-confidence expression. If the opposition requests an impact assessment of this second proposal, its consideration will be delayed until the assessment is completed.
Concerns over the speed and lack of public consultation surrounding these changes have fueled protests. Approximately 10,000 people participated in a rally near the Seimas on Tuesday, voicing opposition to the perceived threat to freedom of speech. Both LRT and the Association of Professional Journalists have expressed concerns that the rushed process jeopardizes the independence of the public broadcaster and the freedom of the media.
Despite these concerns, the Seimas has prioritized the legislation, scheduling it for further consideration on December 16th. A request from the opposition for an impact assessment of the initial project was rejected by Raimondas Šukys, who presided over the meeting, citing the urgency of the matter. Motuzas indicated that legal review of the project is still needed, stating, “I think it would be necessary for the lawyers to take a look. I think it does no harm to consult and explain with the other one at the same time.”
The situation remains fluid, with ongoing debate and scrutiny surrounding the future of public broadcasting in Lithuania.
