Lithuania: Parliament backs disputed bill on public broadcaster

The Lithuanian parliament, the Seimas, has approved in first reading amendments to make it easier to dismiss the director general of the country’s public broadcaster, Lithuanian National Radio and Television (LRT), BNS reports. Altogether 76 MPs voted for, 50 against, and none abstained. Almost all MPs from the ruling three-party coalition backed the bill. The parliament considered the legislation under a fast-track procedure. Opposition MPs protested during the session with signs reading “Hands Off Free Speech.” A second vote on the bill is scheduled on 16 December 2025. Journalist organisations have warned that the proposed legislative changes threaten LRT’s independence and media freedom. Meanwhile, local youth and student organisations protested outside the parliament against the government’s recent actions, including the proposed law regulating LRT, BNS reported.