The orders given to the Mayor of Vilnius District Municipality to remove public signs were considered unlawful

On 28 January, the Regional Administrative Court, Chamber of Vilnius, examined a dispute between the State Language Inspectorate and Robert Duchnevič, the Mayor of Vilnius District Municipality. The issue centered on the Inspectorate’s order for the mayor to remove smaller, less detailed Polish-language signs placed under public signs in the villages of Bieliškės and Ažulaukė by 1 July 2023.

The court ruled that the State Language Inspectorate had failed to assess the situation fairly and had not properly considered the relevant circumstances. As a result, it dismissed the Inspectorate’s complaint as unfounded.

Mayor Robert Duchnevič welcomed the decision, calling it a significant victory not only for the large Polish minority in the Vilnius District but also for other national minorities in Lithuania. He emphasized that this ruling is a step forward in protecting minority rights and that such issues should be resolved clearly to prevent misinterpretation in the future.

Previously, the Mayor had commented on the statements made by Audrius Valotka, the Head of the State Language Inspectorate. According to the Mayor of Vilnius District Municipality, Valotka’s remarks instigated tensions not only between Lithuanian and Polish citizens but also potentially between Lithuania and Poland.

Robert Duchnevič reiterated that national minorities are an essential part of Lithuanian society and should be treated as equal citizens and contributors to the state.

In the case Mayor Robert Duchnevič was represented by COBALT Partner Žygimantas Pacevičius and Associate Martynas Dovydauskis. The case addressed the use of bilingual signs and the protection of national minority rights.