“From the content of the statements of Seimas member R. Žemaitaitis and their systematic repetition, it can be concluded that these statements are characterized by continuous incitement of hatred, promotion of anti-Semitic attitudes, creation of hostility, which is directly directed against one national minority – the Jewish nation and the State of Israel,” the indictment reads. in the text.
The motion for impeachment was signed by 36 parliamentarians, including the leader of the Liberal Movement, Speaker of the Seimas, Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen, and the elders of the ruling conservative, Liberal Movement and Freedom Party factions.
In the assessment of those in power, such systematically repeated statements are aimed at promoting violence, hostility, justifying hatred against the entire Jewish people and provoking social and national discord, which is incompatible with the Constitution and the country’s interests in the field of international relations.
The text of the impeachment contains the records of R. Žemaitaitis, such as: “It turns out that without Putin, other animals appeared in the world – ISRAEL”; “We the Lithuanian people must never forget the Jews and Russians who very actively contributed to the DESTRUCTION of our NATION!” and others.
R. Žemaitaitis said that he believes that there is no basis for his accusation and added that “every psychopath is given the opportunity to do this thing.”
“(…) Here is the top. Well, what can I say now, you want caged lieutenant’s daughter Čmilytė to play games, we will play,” he told BNS on Friday.
He said that he hoped that the members of the Seimas would have enough “common sense” not to support the impeachment and not to vote.
“But if there is a very strong desire, you can vote. Each mandate is free to decide, free to vote. Gentlemen will vote as they wish,” said R. Žemaitaitis.
At the end of August, the coalition council of ruling conservatives, liberals and the Freedom Party decided to initiate impeachment against R. Žemaitaič for his anti-Semitic remarks.
At least 36 members of the Seimas can propose to the Seimas to start the impeachment process.
According to the statute of the Seimas, after the impeachment initiative is announced in the Seimas, a special investigation commission must be formed to examine the validity of the submitted proposals to initiate impeachment proceedings and to prepare a conclusion on the grounds for initiating impeachment proceedings. After examining all the circumstances, the commission will make a proposal as to whether or not there is a basis to initiate impeachment proceedings.
After deciding that there are grounds for impeachment, the Seimas should apply to the Constitutional Court to determine whether the parliamentarian violated the Constitution and broke the oath or not.
If a violation is established, the resolution on revoking the mandate of a member of the Seimas is considered adopted if at least three fifths or at least 85 members of the Seimas voted for it.
In June, R. Žemaitaitis published several anti-Semitic statements on his Facebook account: he was angry with Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė’s visit to Israel, accused Jews of deporting and killing Lithuanians. The politician praised the news about Israel’s demolition of a Palestinian school, compared Israel to Russian President Vladimir Putin waging war in Ukraine, and quoted an anti-Semitic poem.
The Prosecutor General’s Office opened pre-trial investigations into public contempt and incitement of hatred against any nation, race, ethnic, religious or other group of people following the politician’s statements at the end of June. The prosecutor’s office promised to make further decisions after receiving expert conclusions.
The parliamentarian’s remarks have been condemned by Lithuanian leaders and diplomats of other countries.
Due to one of these statements – about the demolished Palestinian school – the party “Freedom and Justice” suspended the membership of R. Žemaitaitis in the party.
The member of the Seimas confirmed his statements about Jews based on material found in the archives.
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**Interview with Political Analyst Dr. Elena Skuodiene on the Impeachment Motion Against R. Žemaitaitis**
*Interviewer: Good afternoon, Dr. Skuodiene. Thank you for joining us to discuss the recent impeachment motion against Seimas member R. Žemaitaitis. What are the main allegations against him?*
**Dr. Skuodiene:** Good afternoon. The allegations focus on R. Žemaitaitis’ public statements, which have been characterized as systematically promoting anti-Semitic attitudes and inciting hatred against the Jewish community and the State of Israel. The indictment cites specific comments made by Žemaitaitis that imply hostility and an agenda that undermines social cohesion within Lithuania.
*Interviewer: It seems that a significant number of parliamentarians are supporting this motion. What does their support indicate about the political landscape in Lithuania?*
**Dr. Skuodiene:** Yes, 36 members of the Seimas have backed the impeachment motion, which indicates a collective concern among various political factions about the implications of such rhetoric. This kind of bipartisan support suggests that many leaders prioritize safeguarding democratic values and promoting social harmony over individual political affiliations. It reflects a commitment to countering hate speech and protecting minority rights.
*Interviewer: R. Žemaitaitis has responded by saying he sees no basis for the accusations and has criticized those pushing for impeachment. How might this affect his political future?*
**Dr. Skuodiene:** His dismissal of the impeachment proceedings and his comments imply a defiance that could resonate with a certain voter base. However, if the investigation progresses and if the Seimas sides with the impeachment motion, it may severely damage his credibility and influence. The outcome will largely depend on public reaction and the perceived seriousness of the allegations against him.
*Interviewer: And what are the next steps in the impeachment process?*
**Dr. Skuodiene:** After the motion was introduced, a special investigation commission will be formed to look into the legitimacy of the proposals for impeachment. They will collect evidence and prepare a conclusion. Following this, the Seimas will approach the Constitutional Court to determine if there has indeed been a violation of the Constitution. If a violation is established, the final decision on revoking his mandate will require at least 85 votes in favor.
*Interviewer: Thank you for your insights, Dr. Skuodiene. This situation certainly raises important questions about politics, speech, and accountability in Lithuania.*
**Dr. Skuodiene:** Thank you for having me. It’s a critical moment for Lithuania, and how this unfolds will be important for the nation’s democratic future.
