Lithuanian Public Broadcaster LRT Reform Again Draws Tens of Thousands of Protesters; Government Insists on Amending Law

AI Summary (NQ-processed)

The Lithuanian government's proposed reform of the public broadcaster LRT, which includes easing the dismissal criteria for the LRT director and adjusting the governance structure, has once again sparked large-scale protests. Critics argue these changes threaten editorial independence and freedom of speech. The government insists on amending the law and aims for its passage during the spring session. The Venice Commission of the Council of Europe has warned that freezing budgets and relaxing dismissal conditions for senior management could increase the risk of political interference. The Foreign Minister emphasized the importance of maintaining Lithuania's leading position in international media freedom rankings.