EditLithuania defends media freedom: mass protests force government retreat on public broadcaster reforms
Protests even reached Brussels, where demonstrators greeted President Nausėda at the EU summit with placards decrying a "President without a spine"
In a remarkable display of civic mobilization, thousands of Lithuanians took to the streets last week to defend the independence of their public broadcaster, LRT, amid controversial government proposals to ease the dismissal of its director.
Protests drew up to 10,000 people in Vilnius alone, with demonstrations spreading to cities like Klaipėda, Kaunas, Šiauliai, Marijampolė, Jonava, and Kėdainiai.
The outcry, coupled with international criticism, compelled the ruling coalition to postpone the reforms – highlighting a rare victory for public pressure in safeguarding media freedom.
President Gitanas Nausėda wryly remarked on the unrest: “There is no need to send air balloons to Lithuania – Lithuanians are organizing a hybrid attack against themselves.” His comment underscored the self-inflicted political damage from the coalition’s push to amend LRT regulations, which critics viewed as an attempt to exert political control over the broadcaster.
The controversy erupted after the coalition – led by the Social Democrats and including populist parties – introduced a bill simplifying the early dismissal of LRT’s general director. Key changes included allowing secret voting, lowering the required votes from eight to six on the 12-member supervisory council, and removing the need to prove dismissal serves the public interest. Critics argued this would enable the coalition and presidential appointees to block annual reports and then oust leadership, effectively politicizing the broadcaster.
LRT, known for its unflinching coverage of government scandals – including a recent contentious ministerial appointment and antisemitic remarks by a coalition ally – had long been accused by the ruling parties of bias toward the opposition. The reforms, initially proposed by the populist Nemuno Aušra party, were rushed under an urgent procedure for approval before Christmas.
Public backlash was swift and widespread. On 9 December, thousands rallied in Vilnius’ Independence Square under the banner “Hands off freedom of speech.” International alarm followed, with the European Commission warning that the amendments violated the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA), which mandates safeguards for public broadcasters’ independence, including stricter conditions for early dismissals.
A second, nearly identical bill from the Social Democrats only intensified resistance. Protests resumed on 16-17 December, drawing massive crowds nationwide. Opposition lawmakers flooded the proposal with hundreds of amendments, including a satirical one – ultimately passed – that tied dismissals to a vote of no confidence from “cat Nuodygulis,” belonging to an opposition MP. The feline quickly became a national meme symbolizing the absurdity of the reforms.
Delays mounted when the culture committee chair fell ill, stalling proceedings. Protests even reached Brussels, where demonstrators greeted President Nausėda at the European Council with placards decrying a “President without a spine.”
By 19 December the coalition relented, postponing debate until next year. Yet persistence lingers: Social Democrat leaders insist the bill can be “improved,” while an audit committee proposes expanding the council’s powers to approve editorial policies and partnerships – further alarming watchdogs.
President Nausėda suggested a full leadership renewal at LRT to ease tensions, but public sentiment remains defiant. The protests have eroded coalition support, halving the Social Democrats’ ratings behind the opposition Conservatives
.This episode exposes deeper rifts in Lithuania’s young coalition, forged with populist and controversial partners, including a pro-Russian Polish minority party. It echoes Hungary’s media crackdowns under Viktor Orbán, where public broadcasters became government mouthpieces – a path Lithuanians vehemently reject.
Ultimately, the crisis evolved from a niche legislative tweak into a broader defence of democratic values. By forcing a government retreat, citizens reaffirmed their commitment to independent journalism, proving that vigilance can counter erosion of press freedom – even in a stable EU member state.
Edited by g.g.
The original article in Ukrainian can be found here.
Caption: Last week, about 10,000 protesters took to the streets of Vilnius, with demonstrations also taking place in Klaipeda, Kaunas, Šiauliai, Marijampole, Jonava and Kedainiai.
Updated: December 23, 2025 - 18:49
