J. Olekas on the proposed amendments to the LRT law: The recommendations of the Venice Commission are close to it
J. Olekas indicated that a proposal regarding amendments to the LRT law was reached, aligning closely with the Venice Commission's recommendations.
J. Olekas, following a meeting with the President and the Seimas administration, reported that after two months of discussions, a tentative agreement on amendments to the LRT law was achieved. He emphasized that during the ongoing discussions, further amendments may be necessary, highlighting the fluid nature of legislative processes in Lithuania.
Olekas expressed confidence that the current proposal is closely aligned with the recommendations set forth by the Venice Commission, suggesting a cooperative approach to ensuring the law meets international standards of media independence and governance. He noted the importance of these recommendations in shaping public broadcasting in Lithuania and indicated an openness to further revisions.
Additionally, Olekas acknowledged concerns regarding the public broadcaster's financing structure, suggesting that it may need to be reconsidered, especially in light of recent economic pressures such as rising prices and adjustments to existing tax regimes. He indicated that previous financial provisions tied to income and value-added taxes might need reevaluation to ensure sustainable funding for public broadcasting and national defense.