Region name change sparks discussion in Lithuanian parliament

Lithuanian lawmakers are engaged in discussions about officially renaming the ethnographic region of Suvalkija to Sūduva. A proposed amendment to the Law on the State Protection of Ethnic Culture, put forth by Seimas Speaker Juozas Olekas, seeks to establish "one authentic regional name reflecting the heritage of the Baltic tribes."

Olekas explained that the name Sūduva is deeply rooted in history, connected to early written sources, the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, the strengthening of the Lithuanian language and culture, and the nation's historical movements. He contrasted this with Suvalkija, which he described as having a "later administrative origin" linked to the 19th-century Suwałki Governorate. The regional ethnic culture council of Sūduva itself chose Sūduva as the name that more accurately expresses the region's identity.

The proposed change has garnered support, with 79 members of parliament voting in favor during an initial reading. However, the discussion also touched upon linguistic nuances. MP Eugenijus Gentvilas questioned the imperative to select only one name, noting that the Lithuanian Language Commission recognizes Sūduva, Suvalkija, and Užnemunė as equally valid regional names. He also pointed out the existence of the Polish city of Suwałki and the established use of "Suvalkija" in place names, suggesting a need for careful consideration. The bill is set to be debated further by the Seimas Culture Committee.