Aurelijus Veryga Calls the Seimas Resolution on EP Interference in Internal Affairs a Normal Discussion
Aurelijus Veryga defends the Lithuanian parliament's right to respond to a European Parliament resolution, viewing it as a normal part of parliamentary debate.
Aurelijus Veryga, a member of the Lithuanian Parliament, commented on the recent resolution passed by the European Parliament (EP) expressing concern over threats to democracy in Lithuania. He described the Lithuanian parliament's response to the EP's intervention as a normal expression of democratic debate, asserting that it is important for different parliaments to express their opinions on matters that affect their countries. Veryga's remarks came in light of a resolution that criticized the potential takeover of Lithuania's public broadcaster by outside influences.
The resolution from the EP, adopted at the end of January, raised alarms about perceived threats to democratic principles in Lithuania, prompting members of the Seimas, including representatives from the Peasant and Greens Union and the Freedom Party, to draft a rebuttal. Veryga emphasized the importance of maintaining a consistent approach in discussions about national sovereignty and democratic processes, arguing that if one parliament can voice its concerns publicly, so too should another, thereby promoting healthy political discourse.
This situation highlights the ongoing tensions between Lithuania and the European Union regarding issues of governance and democracy. The Lithuanian parliament's response may signal an attempt to assert its sovereignty against perceived external pressures, reflecting a broader struggle faced by smaller EU member states as they navigate their relationship with larger governing bodies. Such debates are critical as they shape both national policy and Lithuania's position within the EU framework.