Lithuanian Public Broadcaster LRT Reform Again Draws Tens of Thousands of Protesters; Government Insists on Amending Law
The Lithuanian government's proposed reform of the public broadcaster LRT, which includes easing the dismissal criteria for the LRT director and adjusting the governance structure, has once again sparked large-scale protests. Critics argue these changes threaten editorial independence and freedom of speech. The government insists on amending the law and aims for its passage during the spring session. The Venice Commission of the Council of Europe has warned that freezing budgets and relaxing dismissal conditions for senior management could increase the risk of political interference. The Foreign Minister emphasized the importance of maintaining Lithuania's leading position in international media freedom rankings.
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- 📰 Published: April 10, 2026 at 15:26
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Lithuanian National Radio and Television (LRT) reported that Juozas Olekas, during an interview with LRT radio, stated, "The government will do what needs to be done, changing the parts that need to be changed," and emphasized that it will communicate with those willing to engage in rational dialogue. He also criticized some protesters for making indecent gestures towards the Parliament during the demonstration on the 8th.
The key points of this amendment include relaxing the threshold for dismissing the LRT director and adjusting the governance structure. Critics believe that these measures may make it easier for political forces to intervene in public media operations, weakening editorial independence and thereby affecting freedom of speech. Supporters, however, argue that the reforms will help enhance transparency and accountability, strengthening public institution governance.
According to reports, Olekas stated that the relevant amendments are expected to pass during the Parliament's spring session. Although there has been a slight delay due to extended committee review time, they will still be sent back for a plenary vote.
The Lithuanian Parliament had previously given preliminary approval to the LRT Law amendment proposed by a working group, which is currently undergoing further review by the Culture Committee.
On the other hand, Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys stated that the government should value expert assessments of the reform plan, especially the opinions of the "Venice Commission of the Council of Europe," an independent advisory body that assists countries in reviewing whether their legal systems comply with international democratic standards.
According to reports, the Venice Commission pointed out in March that the design of the Lithuanian public broadcasting amendment regarding budget freezes and relaxed conditions for dismissing senior management might increase the risk of political interference. The body is currently conducting a new round of assessment on the amended version passed by Parliament.
Budrys emphasized that Lithuania must maintain its leading position in international media freedom rankings, as this relates to the quality of national democracy and regional standards, but he is confident that the relevant standards can ultimately be maintained.
Since the Lithuanian government proposed the LRT Law amendment at the end of last year, it has triggered multiple large-scale public protests, and over 145,000 people have signed a petition opposing political interference. According to LRT reports, this is the online petition with the most support received in Lithuania to date. (Edited by: Tang Sheng-yang) 1150410
The key points of this amendment include relaxing the threshold for dismissing the LRT director and adjusting the governance structure. Critics believe that these measures may make it easier for political forces to intervene in public media operations, weakening editorial independence and thereby affecting freedom of speech. Supporters, however, argue that the reforms will help enhance transparency and accountability, strengthening public institution governance.
According to reports, Olekas stated that the relevant amendments are expected to pass during the Parliament's spring session. Although there has been a slight delay due to extended committee review time, they will still be sent back for a plenary vote.
The Lithuanian Parliament had previously given preliminary approval to the LRT Law amendment proposed by a working group, which is currently undergoing further review by the Culture Committee.
On the other hand, Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys stated that the government should value expert assessments of the reform plan, especially the opinions of the "Venice Commission of the Council of Europe," an independent advisory body that assists countries in reviewing whether their legal systems comply with international democratic standards.
According to reports, the Venice Commission pointed out in March that the design of the Lithuanian public broadcasting amendment regarding budget freezes and relaxed conditions for dismissing senior management might increase the risk of political interference. The body is currently conducting a new round of assessment on the amended version passed by Parliament.
Budrys emphasized that Lithuania must maintain its leading position in international media freedom rankings, as this relates to the quality of national democracy and regional standards, but he is confident that the relevant standards can ultimately be maintained.
Since the Lithuanian government proposed the LRT Law amendment at the end of last year, it has triggered multiple large-scale public protests, and over 145,000 people have signed a petition opposing political interference. According to LRT reports, this is the online petition with the most support received in Lithuania to date. (Edited by: Tang Sheng-yang) 1150410