Lithuania: Thousands protest against populist control of Culture Ministry

Thousands of people in Lithuania protested on 5 October 2025 against the new government’s move to hand control of the Ministry of Culture to the far-right populist party, Dawn of Nemunas (PPNA), BNS reports. The protest manifesto urged citizens to defend culture, democracy, and freedom of expression. Cultural institutions across the country played Lithuanian composer…

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Lithuania: Cultural sector readying for nationwide protests

Cultural activists in Lithuania are preparing for a nationwide “warning strike” on 5 October 2025 to protest against control of the Ministry of Culture by the far-right populist party, Dawn of Nemunas (PPNA), LRT reports. Earlier, protests across the country contributed to the hasty resignation of PPNA’s newly-appointed Culture Minister, Ignotas Adomavicius. Cultural leaders fear…

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Lithuania: Dawn of Nemunas leader wants to abolish Constitutional Court

The leader of Lithuania’s far-right populist Dawn of Nemunas party, MP Remigijus Zemaitaitis, has called for abolishing the country’s Constitutional Court, ELTA reports. He insisted that the court had become a “politicised institution” and suggested that its functions be taken over by the Supreme Court instead. In 2024, the Constitutional Court ruled that Zemaitaitis had violated…

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Latvia: President wants lower barrier on referendums

Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics plans to propose lowering the threshold for holding public referendums on legislative changes, LSM reports. Rinkevics discussed the issue with Prime Minister Evika Silina and leaders of parliamentary groups, LETA reported. He will invite constitutional experts to join the discussions. Edmunds Jurevics, leader of New Unity’s parliamentary group, and Harijs Rokpelnis,…

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Lithuania: Homeland Union urges LSDP to reject new far-right party

The chairman of Lithuania’s ruling Homeland Union (TS-LKD), Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis, has called for talks with the opposition Social Democratic Party of Lithuania (LSDP) over fears about the surge in support for the new far-right party, Dawn of Nemunas, ELTA reports. Speaking in an interview with Ziniu Radijas, Landsbergis warned that the Dawn of…

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Lithuania: Ministers criticise proposal to close Russian schools

Lithuania’s Justice Minister, Ewelina Dobrowolska, warned against “populism” over the issue of Russian schools, BNS reported. Earlier, Education Minister Gintautas Jakstas suggested that Lithuania follow Estonia and Latvia in closing Russian schools. Speaking in an interview with Ziniu Radijas, Dobrowolska conceded that minority education faced challenges but insisted that they be dealt with by ensuring…

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