Lithuania: Protests in support of public service

Up to 10,000 people gathered on Independence Square in front of the parliament and chanted slogans about freedom of expression and independent media.

Lithuania's government, a coalition of social democrats, right-wing populists and conservatives, is proposing, among other things, that the public service company LRT's budget be frozen for three years and that it be easier to remove its CEO.

Necessary changes for increased cost-efficiency and reduced bureaucracy, according to the government. Proposals that involve increased political influence, according to critics.

The dismantling of a democracy always begins with the government taking over free media, LRT journalist Edvardas Kubilius shouted from the stage, according to the radio.