Feb 25 • 12:24 UTC 🇱🇹 Lithuania Lrytas

Ethics Guardians: S. Gentvilas Did Not Violate Rules When Discussing G. Nausėda's Membership in the Communist Party

The Lithuanian Ethics Commission determined that Simonas Gentvilas did not violate any rules when he discussed President Gitanas Nausėda's past membership in the Communist Party.

The Ethics Commission in Lithuania concluded that Simonas Gentvilas, a member of the parliament, did not breach any ethical rules when he made remarks regarding President Gitanas Nausėda's previous membership in the Communist Party. The commission’s decision came after a division of four votes in favor, with three against and one abstention. They noted that although Gentvilas's comment about the date of Nausėda's entrance into the party was considered inaccurate, it was decided to recommend that he avoid statements that could mislead the public in the future.

During a parliamentary session in December of the previous year, Gentvilas claimed that while some citizens were choosing to guard the Seimas during the January 13th events, Nausėda had joined the Communist Party. This statement raised significant attention, as it juxtaposed the actions of those who stood by the parliament with Nausėda's reported political maneuvering at that time. Gentvilas stated that this information is publicly known, asserting that he did not intend to spread falsehoods.

The commission’s ruling highlights ongoing tensions in Lithuanian politics, particularly concerning past affiliations with the Communist Party, which carries significant historical weight in the country. The recommendation for Gentvilas to be cautious with his words reflects a broader concern about political discourse and its impact on public perception, particularly in a nation with a history marked by Soviet influence. The findings could have repercussions on how politicians speak about sensitive historical topics in the future.

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