Lithuanian non-governmental organizations have addressed the Party of European Socialists (PES) and the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D) in the European Parliament, expressing concern about the state of democracy and media freedom in Lithuania.
In the open letter sent by the NGOs, they note that the Lithuanian Social Democratic Party (LSDP), despite its pre-election promises, formed a governing coalition with the far-right party Nemuno Aušra, whose leader has been convicted of antisemitic hate speech.
Particular concern is raised by decisions currently being considered under urgency procedure in the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania, which could weaken the independence of the public broadcaster LRT, including proposals to simplify the procedure for dismissing the Director General of LRT. The NGOs emphasize that this contradicts both the position of the public and the values declared by PES and S&D — media freedom, pluralism, and the rule of law.
The appeal requests a clear response from PES and S&D as to whether cooperation with the far right in Lithuania and actions that threaten the independence of the public broadcaster are compatible with European social democratic values, and what steps will be taken to defend democracy in Lithuania.
The open letter is available here.
The letter was signed by:
Lithuanian Youth Council (LiJOT)
National Network of Poverty Reduction Organisations (NSMOT)
Lithuanian NGDO Platform
Open Lithuania Foundation
Lithuanian Design Association
Council of Representatives of Lithuanian Patient Organisations
Lithuanian Centre for Human Rights
National Education NGO Network
NGO Information and Support Centre
Lithuanian School Students’ Union
National Association of Cultural and Creative Industries
Lithuanian Composers’ Union
Women’s Information Centre
Lithuanian Disability Forum
Lithuanian Social Business Association
Coalition of Human Rights Organisations
Association of Professional Journalists
NGO Law Institute
Public Institution Ribologija