The Vilnius district council plans to rename streets currently associated with a controversial figure linked to sex abuse cases to honor local political figures instead.
In response to public outcry regarding the current street names linked to Cardinal Heinrich Gulbinovich, the Vilnius district council is considering renaming these streets after local politician Gabriel Jan Mincevičius and Buivydžiai. Council advisor Kęstutis Butvydas mentioned that the local government received directives from government representatives regarding this issue, prompting them to draft proposals for the name changes. This move aligns with recently published information concerning Gulbinovich's complicity in minor sexual exploitation and the concealment of clergy pedophilia crimes.
The proposed changes involve the renaming of a street in Nemenčinė, currently named after Gulbinovich, to bear the name of Gabriel Jan Mincevičius, a notable political and community figure in Lithuania. Mincevičius served from 1938 to 2016 and was influential in the Vilnius district's local governance. By taking this step, the council aims to address community concerns and ensure that street names reflect values aligned with contemporary societal expectations.
The final decision on these renaming proposals will be made by the council based on the established legal framework. The administration has already prepared the relevant proposals, indicating a strong willingness to listen to public sentiment and act in accordance with the community's values regarding historical figures and their legacies. The discussions surrounding this renaming process highlight broader issues of accountability and the impact of historical figures on modern societal values.
