Lithuanian PM's Dissertation Faces Ethics Complaint; President Discusses Education Law

Lithuania's ISM University announced on Thursday that it has received an official complaint from the Office of the Academic Ethics and Procedures Controller concerning a potential ethical violation related to Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius's defended doctoral dissertation.

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The university stated that the received complaint will be evaluated and processed according to its internal procedures. The ISM Ethics Commission is expected to decide within 10 calendar days whether to formally consider the complaint. If accepted for review, a final decision must be made within 30 calendar days from the date of receipt.

The university stated that the received complaint will be evaluated and processed according to its internal procedures. The ISM Ethics Commission is expected to decide within 10 calendar days whether to formally consider the complaint. If accepted for review, a final decision must be made within 30 calendar days from the date of receipt. Until the review is complete, the university will refrain from making preliminary assessments or detailed comments.

Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius expressed confidence that any potential investigation into his dissertation would conclude favorably. He stated that he wrote the work himself and believes discussions on the topic should now cease. The Prime Minister's office has not yet provided further comment on the specific nature of the complaint.

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He stated that he wrote the work himself and believes discussions on the topic should now cease.

In separate political developments, President Gitanas Nausėda met with representatives of the education community to discuss a recent amendment to the Education Law passed by the Seimas. This amendment removes the minimum threshold for the basic education achievement test (PUPP). Education, Science, and Sport Minister Raminta Popovienė noted that the President has yet to state his position on whether he intends to veto the law, with a decision expected on Friday. Meanwhile, former President Dalia Grybauskaitė, in an interview with Polish broadcaster TVP World, expressed skepticism about Russia's capacity for change, suggesting that an "iron curtain" would be beneficial if such change does not occur.

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If it does not happen, it will be better for us if an iron curtain stands between us.