Orders to remove public signs issued to the Mayor of Vilnius District Municipality ruled unlawful

A recent legal decision has underscored the protection of national minority rights in Lithuania. In a dispute involving the State Language Inspectorate and Robert Duchnevič, the Mayor of Vilnius District Municipality, it was determined that the order to remove Polish-language signs in the villages of Bieliškės and Ažulaukė was unjustified. The case focused on signs that provided Polish translations placed beneath the official Lithuanian public signs.

The Regional Administrative Court ruled that the 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 for the Polish minority in the Vilnius District, reflecting broader implications for other national minorities in Lithuania. He highlighted that the ruling represents a crucial step toward clear resolutions in minority rights issues, which will aid in avoiding misunderstandings in the future.

The Mayor previously criticized comments made by Audrius Valotka, Head of the State Language Inspectorate. According to the Mayor, Valotka’s remarks instigated tensions not only between Lithuanian and Polish citizens but also potentially between Lithuania and Poland. Reaffirming the integral role of national minorities in Lithuania, Mayor Duchnevič emphasized their equal status and contributions as citizens.

In the case Mayor Robert Duchnevič was successfully represented by COBALT Partner Žygimantas Pacevičius and Associate Martynas Dovydauskis.