Reports
Lithuania Weekly: Žemaitaitis' Scandal Downplayed by Pro-Kremlin Media
Over the past week, Kremlin-aligned media in Lithuania focused on downplaying fears about Donald Trump's stance on Ukraine, portraying him as a peace-seeking leader and dismissing criticism of his foreign policy as hypocrisy. At the same time, these outlets amplified narratives that Western governments exaggerate the Russian threat to serve the interests of the military-industrial complex, accusing Lithuania of fearmongering to justify increased defense spending. Meanwhile, while Lithuanian media erupted over the Remigijus Žemaitaitis scandal, pro-Kremlin sources largely ignored it or framed him as a victim of political persecution rather than a politician caught deceiving his supporters.
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Lithuania Weekly: Silent Protest Sparks Debate Over Coalition Controversy
The "10 Minutes of Silence" protest on November 14 gathered approximately 5,000 people outside the Lithuanian parliament to oppose the inclusion of the “Nemuno Aušra” party in the governing coalition, led by Remigijus Žemaitaitis, who is on trial for alleged antisemitic remarks. Critics, including President Gitanas Nausėda, have condemned the coalition as harmful to democratic values and human rights. Meanwhile, Kremlin-aligned media exploited the protests to amplify anti-Western narratives, portraying Lithuania as unstable and corrupt while aiming to erode trust in democratic institutions and support for Ukraine.
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Lithuania Weekly: Kremlin Media Discredits Lithuanian Elections Amid Controversial Coalition Formation
Former President Dalia Grybauskaitė faced backlash for warning against a coalition with the controversial "Nemuno aušra" party, led by Remigijus Žemaitaitis, who is accused of antisemitism. Despite her concerns, the Social Democrats formed the coalition, which Kremlin-aligned outlets used as an opportunity to attack Grybauskaitė’s credibility, accusing her of Kremlin sympathies and discrediting her past political affiliations.
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Lithuania Weekly: President’s Reinauguration Party
During this reporting week, among the events that sparked the most heated discussions online was the evening reception after President Nausėda’s reinauguration.
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