B. Davidonytė about the LRT working group: it seems that the initial proposals have been withdrawn, but there is a lack of clarity
B. Davidonytė expresses concerns that the LRT working group may be straying from its initial proposals, calling for clearer legislative language.
B. Davidonytė commented on the ongoing discussions within the LRT working group, noting that it seems there may have been a retreat from the original proposals that led to protests. She emphasized the importance of having clarity in the final version of the legislation, as the current discussions appear chaotic and lack direction. The need for clear statutory language is urgent, given the implications for the governance of public broadcasting.
The working group has recently agreed that removing the general director of the public broadcaster requires a two-thirds majority of the Council's votes. This process aligns with the current legislation, but there are significant concerns regarding how the director can be dismissed, as it currently only allows for dismissal based on public interest, and through an open vote. The working group has yet to determine the specific grounds upon which the public broadcaster's chief could be dismissed, which adds to the uncertainty surrounding the governance framework.
Davidonytė’s call for a definitive proposal contrasts with the perceived disorder of discussions taking place, indicating a pressing need for effective governance structures within the LRT. The outcomes of these discussions will not only affect internal operations but also the public's trust in Lithuanian public broadcasting, highlighting the necessity for transparency and clear guidelines going forward.