In a recent broadcast, Lithuanian Minister V. Aleknavičienė discussed the ongoing debate regarding the legacy of poet Salomėja Nėris. She highlighted the tendency to quickly condemn creators from Lithuania's past, pointing out that public sentiment often shifts towards extreme judgment without thorough consideration. The minister recalled an earlier situation when local councils were advised to rename streets bearing Nėris' name, sparking significant debate among communities and educators, especially upon discovering her works were still part of the academic curriculum.

Aleknavičienė defended Nėris' contributions to Lithuanian poetry, arguing that the nation does not possess a vast array of literary figures who can be so rapidly written off. She reflected on her schooling experience, where Nėris' poetry was studied, adding that the poet's work holds historical and cultural value. Instead of rushing to erase Nėris from memory, the minister suggests that society should engage in more nuanced discussions about the complexities of such figures and their legacies.

While Aleknavičienė refrained from endorsing the construction of a monument to Nėris in Vilnius, she emphasized the need for constructive dialogue to address the cultural symbolisms attached to historical figures. This conversation about Nėris is part of a broader discourse on how Lithuania engages with its literary heritage, suggesting that how society interprets its past can influence future cultural policies and community values.