Mass Protests Erupt in Vilnius Over Proposed Changes to Public Broadcaster
Large crowds gathered in central Vilnius on 17th december 2025, as thousands of protesters rallied outside parliament and government buildings in opposition to proposed reforms affecting LRT, Lithuania’s public broadcaster. The demonstrations mark one of the most significant domestic challenges faced by the country’s pro-EU governing coalition in
recent years. The protests were sparked by government-backed amendments to the law regulating LRT. Critics say the proposed changes would make it easier for political authorities to dismiss the broadcaster’s leadership and alter its governance structure, raising concerns about increased political influence over public media. Government officials argue that the reforms are intended to improve accountability and modernize public broadcasting. Protesters, however, view the measures as a threat to editorial independence and a step toward political control of national media. Demonstrators in Vilnius accuse the government of using institutional reforms to align public media with political priorities, warning that such changes could undermine Lithuania’s information sovereignty and weaken public trust. Protest organizers say that once political actors gain leverage over a public broadcaster, media independence can no longer be assured. Lithuania has long been regarded as one of the European Union’s strongest supporters in Eastern Europe. However, the scale of the protests highlights growing tensions between political leadership and segments of the public, particularly over concerns that key decisions are being made without sufficient public involvement. The demonstrations have remained peaceful, with a visible police presence but no reports of major incidents or clashes. Organizers have called for continued protests unless the proposed amendments are withdrawn or subjected to broader public consultation. As protests continue, the situation underscores a broader debate in Lithuania over media independence, governance, and public trust in democratic institutions.
