After the storm of comments about a post regarding Gentvilas, Girskienė explained: I just wanted to 'nudge'
Lithuanian politician L. Girskienė responded to criticism after posting a photo implying it could show fellow politician E. Gentvilas with alcohol, claiming it was meant to suggest the need for sobriety in politics.
In a recent social media post, Lithuanian politician L. Girskienė shared a controversial image on Facebook, suggesting that the man holding a strong alcohol bottle in the photo might resemble E. Gentvilas, a leader in the liberal movement. Her post invited followers to comment on the resemblance without resorting to mockery. The photo was taken in Klaipėda, and Girskienė expressed concern, stating, 'If this is him, it’s a problem for the person.' After receiving backlash, she edited the post and commented further on Gentvilas's reaction, which clarified that he was not the individual in the image.
Girskienė’s intention behind the post, as she later explained, was to highlight the necessity of sobriety among politicians, suggesting that a breathalyzer should be installed at the entrance of the Seimas (the Lithuanian Parliament) sessions. Her comments reflect ongoing discussions about accountability and conduct among public officials, particularly in the context of past incidents involving politicians and alcohol consumption. The incident underscores the fine line between political satire and potentially damaging insinuations, raising questions about the responsibility of public figures in their communications.
As this incident continues to unfold, it highlights the dynamics of political discourse in Lithuania, particularly within the context of social media where public commentary can quickly escalate. Girskienė is attempting to navigate the reactions to her post while maintaining her stance on the need for accountability, reflecting broader societal concerns about the behavior of elected officials and their impact on public trust.