As protests erupted in Lithuania over the government’s decision to hand the Culture Ministry to the Nemunas Dawn party, President Gitanas Nausėda on Sunday urged citizens to leave domestic political disputes at home during international events.
Speaking to LRT.lt in Rome, where he and his Italian counterpart president launched the Lithuanian Year of Culture in Italy, Nausėda said the tensions that triggered a nationwide strike by cultural workers could be resolved with time.
“Let us leave what belongs to domestic politics at home. We will sort it out,” he said. “Many things now look a little exaggerated. Maybe in six or 12 months we’ll see them differently, and the problems that seem unsolvable today will be resolved.”
Back in Lithuania, thousands of cultural workers held a one-day “warning strike” to protest the decision to give the Culture Ministry to Nemunas Dawn, a populist party that critics say threatens freedom of expression and efforts to combat disinformation.
Protest badges were also visible at the Rome event, including on pianist Rokas Zubovas who opened the inaugural concert and on several other Lithuanian guests.
“I didn’t get a single question about it and don’t know who was wearing those badges or not,” Nausėda said. “But I think the Italians weren’t really aware of why this protest was happening.”
Nausėda said he understands the concerns of Lithuania’s cultural community and has met with its representatives, but emphasised the importance of making the most of international opportunities.
“I do hear the voice of the cultural community,” he said. “But it’s important to understand that when the doors are open, we should take the chance. It’s in the best interest of the cultural community itself, because otherwise those doors may not open again or open only partly.”
He added that he remains open to dialogue but called for “respect from the other side” and understanding that the government faces “complex challenges”.
The unrest follows the resignation Friday of Ignotas Adomavičius, a Nemunas Dawn member who had been appointed culture minister, amid criticism of his competence.
The Lithuanian Year of Culture in Italy opened with events marking the 150th anniversary of the birth of the painter-composer Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis. The program will run through the autumn of 2026.
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