The Lithuanian Ministry of Culture recommends that the De-Sovietization Commission remain active and not delegate its responsibilities to local authorities to mitigate risks to the country's historical memory policy.
The Lithuanian Ministry of Culture has drafted a proposal for the Government recommending the continuation of the De-Sovietization Commission's activities. This proposal arises from concerns about potential risks associated with transferring the commission's responsibilities to local governments. In their assessment, the ministry indicates that allowing municipalities to independently address issues concerning monuments, commemorative signs, street names, and other public space elements associated with totalitarian and authoritarian regimes could complicate the implementation of the state's historical memory policy.
Furthermore, the ministry's recommendations emphasize the importance of a centralized approach to managing how Lithuania acknowledges its past, particularly in the context of Soviet influence. Localized decisions regarding monuments and historical representations could lead to inconsistencies and public disputes about the interpretation of history, thereby undermining the established historical narrative that the government aims to uphold.
The implications of this proposed regulatory framework suggest that maintaining control at the national level is seen as crucial for preserving Lithuania’s historical integrity. By avoiding decentralization in this sensitive area, the Ministry of Culture seeks to ensure that the commemoration of Lithuania's history aligns with a unified narrative, reflecting the nation’s values and historical experiences, particularly as they relate to the legacy of totalitarianism.
