Lithuanian MP investigated for calling soldiers 'idiots'

Lithuania's parliamentary ethics committee has launched an investigation into controversial remarks made by Member of Parliament V. Šeršniovas, who allegedly insulted the country's soldiers. The probe follows a complaint that Šeršniovas used derogatory terms such as "idiots" and "inadequate persons" to describe military personnel during a parliamentary session.

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The commission has decided to launch an investigation. Since the investigation has been launched, rapporteurs have been appointed. The rapporteurs will prepare a draft within a few weeks, and then at the next meeting, when the draft conclusion is prepared, the Ethics Commission will decide whether a violation has occurred or not.

The incident occurred on June 16, during a debate on amendments to the Law on the Control of Weapons and Ammunition. According to the complaint, Šeršniovas's statements demeaned the Lithuanian army and its service members, potentially violating the Code of Conduct for State Politicians. The ethics commission is expected to review the matter and issue a decision within weeks.

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Hundreds of soldiers served with me, and I would like to draw the attention of everyone in this hall who went through service, think, among all those soldiers there were idiots. Really a bunch of idiots. Many idiots finished their service in Lithuania.

During the parliamentary session, Šeršniovas reportedly stated, "Hundreds of soldiers served with me, and I would like to draw the attention of everyone in this hall who went through service, think, among all those soldiers there were idiots. Really a bunch of idiots. Many idiots finished their service in Lithuania."

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Perhaps I spoke a bit too harshly.

Šeršniovas later appeared to soften his stance, suggesting he might have spoken too harshly. He stated, "I certainly do not want to offend either the lawmakers or the people who served in the army. I served there myself, and I do not consider myself an idiot. I tell you sincerely, ladies and gentlemen, that people gathered in the service come from all sorts of backgrounds. (...) Ladies and gentlemen, think about what will happen when not very adequate persons, after finishing that service, have the opportunity to acquire a weapon?" The investigation aims to ascertain whether these remarks constitute an ethical breach.

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I certainly do not want to offend either the lawmakers or the people who served in the army. I served there myself, and I do not consider myself an idiot. I tell you sincerely, ladies and gentlemen, that people gathered in the service come from all sorts of backgrounds. (...) Ladies and gentlemen, think about what will happen when not very adequate persons, after finishing that service, have the opportunity to acquire a weapon?