LRT Council to consider dismissal of General Director

The Lithuanian National Radio and Television (LRT) Council is scheduled to meet on September 22 to discuss the potential dismissal of General Director Mairė Garbačiauskaitė-Budrienė. The decision follows a summer investigation by the Prosecutor General's Office, which concluded that LRT violated principles of accountability and transparency regarding the use of public funds.

The prosecution found that the broadcaster limited the ability to identify specific suppliers receiving state budget funds. Specifically, the investigation noted that LRT failed to disclose the names of individual service providers in public reports concerning program procurement for 2025. Under new legislation passed by the Seimas, a finding of a ‘gross violation of duties’ provides grounds for the dismissal of the director.

LRT Council Chairman Mindaugas Jurkynas stated that the council must respond to the prosecutor's findings to fulfill its oversight function. Meanwhile, Garbačiauskaitė-Budrienė has challenged the allegations, calling the attempt to recognize a violation of duties ‘unlawful’ both procedurally and in substance. She has requested that the council's deliberations be held publicly, arguing that the public has a right to see discussions involving matters of public interest.