The Conservative party, represented by Vytautas Juozapaitis, has officially stepped back from a working group in the Lithuanian Parliament, Seimas, that was responsible for reviewing the governance of the public broadcaster LRT. The decision comes after Juozapaitis expressed his dissatisfaction with the proposed legal framework, stating that it lacks a cohesive vision and does not adequately reflect public interest. He criticized the eclectic mix of proposals that were being discussed, which he believes fail to provide a systematic approach towards reforming the governance of LRT.

Juozapaitis highlighted that the proposed changes appear fragmented and are often influenced by narrow interests rather than the broader public good. He pointed out that despite having safeguards such as a two-thirds vote requirement for the dismissal of the general director, the bases for dismissal remain too vague, which could lead to political pressure in governance. This suggests a significant concern among lawmakers about the potential for undue influence over the public broadcaster, undermining its independence.

The withdrawal of the Conservative members from this working group may indicate deeper tensions within Lithuanian politics regarding the governance of public institutions, especially amidst efforts to reform the LRT. The implications of these developments could affect not just the legislative process regarding LRT but also public trust in its independence and ability to operate free from political machinations, raising questions about how Lithuania will safeguard its democratic media landscape in the future.