Lithuanian President and Education Minister address sector challenges

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda has addressed ongoing challenges within the national education sector, urging for collaborative problem-solving rather than extreme political reactions. Nausėda emphasized the need to fulfill promises made to teachers and expressed a desire to find solutions together, noting that no one should be viewed as being on opposite sides of a barricade.

The tension follows discussions regarding the Basic Education Achievement Test (PUPP). The Seimas recently approved the President's veto, which delays the requirement for students to reach a certain achievement level to obtain basic education until September 2029.

Education, Science, and Sport Minister Raminta Popovienė responded to criticisms regarding her management of these issues, stating that she respects the President's opinion but is not merely imitating work. She noted that the ministry is working within the government program and is currently collaborating with presidential advisors in a working group to address the PUPP threshold issues without harming students.