Lithuanian President Nausėda Signs Controversial Amendments to Public Broadcaster Law

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda has signed amendments to the Law on the Public Broadcaster LRT, which have sparked considerable controversy. The presidential office did not provide further comments on the decision.

The Seimas adopted the amendments just over a week ago. The changes include the creation of an LRT board, an expanded council, fixed terms of office, and enhanced board authority. The new rules may apply to the current LRT leadership, including Director General Monika Garbačauskaitė-Budrienė.

The Professional Journalists' Association had urged Nausėda to use his veto power, arguing that applying the new dismissal procedures to the current director contradicts international recommendations. Monika Garbačauskaitė-Budrienė previously expressed hope that the law would be challenged in the Constitutional Court.