Thousands of people across Lithuania staged a nationwide protest Sunday against the government’s decision to hand control of the Culture Ministry to the populist party Nemunas Dawn.
The demonstrations, described by organisers as a “warning strike”, took place in towns and cities from Akmenė to Druskininkai and from Klaipėda to Zarasai. The protest reached its climax at 14:00, when cultural institutions across the country simultaneously played composer Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis’ symphonic poem The Sea, adopted as the strike’s anthem and “warning siren”.
Participants also read a manifesto titled This Might Be the Last Time, approved by the Cultural Protest Assembly, calling on citizens to defend culture, democracy and freedom of expression.
“This might be the last time culture remains our common language – when we still stand together for truth and freedom,” the statement read.
Protest spreads nationwide
In Vilnius, artists, museum staff, and performers gathered at various cultural sites. Outside the MO Museum, dancers from the “Low Air” movement school staged a performance turning their backs to “the destruction of culture”.
At Žvėrynas Bridge near the Seimas (parliament), around 30 people joined a “scream protest” inspired by Edvard Munch’s painting The Scream.
“We wanted to awaken the politicians’ conscience,” said artist Milda Varanauskaitė, one of the organisers.
Protesters carried signs reading “Culture ≠ Corruption”, “The Ministry of Nepotism – NO”, and “The Sea is Not the Nemunas”. Many criticised the recent appointment of Ignas Adomavičius – a Nemunas Dawn member with no cultural background – as culture minister, calling it “an insult” to Lithuania’s artistic community. Adomavičius resigned Friday after widespread backlash.
At Vilnius University’s courtyard, musician Andrius Mamontovas addressed the crowd, urging President Gitanas Nausėda and Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė to reject populism.
“Mr President, this is your second term – you no longer need to chase votes. You still have a chance to stop populists from taking over our country,” Mamontovas said.
Protests beyond Vilnius
In Kaunas, hundreds gathered near the Ąžuolynas Library, waving banners that read “Culture Is Not a Circus” and “Nemunas Dawn – the Sunset of Culture”. Organisers said nearly all cultural institutions in the city joined the strike.
“This is one of the most important moments of unity for Lithuania’s cultural community,” said organiser Agnė Pinigienė. “And it’s spreading beyond our borders – solidarity actions are happening in Denmark, Iceland, New York, the Czech Republic, Latvia and Thailand.”
A similar scene unfolded in Klaipėda, where protesters marched through the city centre accompanied by brass bands. At Theatre Square, artists staged a performance simulating waves to the sound of The Sea.
“We must prevent one political force from taking over culture and silencing dissent,” said teacher and writer Lilija Bručkienė.
Unrest over populist party
The protests were sparked by the ruling coalition’s decision to hand the Culture Ministry to Nemunas Dawn, led by MP Remigijus Žemaitaitis, who is on trial for anti-Semitism and Holocaust denial. Žemaitaitis has also questioned support for Ukraine and criticised increased defence spending.
The politician himself called the protesters “loudmouths” in a Facebook post.
“The culture people came to an uncultured rally! Turns out, only loudmouths can make culture and art,” he said.
He continued that “real artists kept making art while the loudmouths and people who have nothing to do with culture were screaming”.
Cultural organisations say giving the ministry to Nemunas Dawn threatens freedom of expression, media independence and Lithuania’s democratic values.
“We will not allow pro-Russian populists to take culture hostage,” one chant in Kaunas declared.
Organisers said Sunday’s warning strike was only the beginning, with plans for further actions if the government does not reverse its decision.
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