Algirdas Butkevičius: original spelling of surnames – in Autumn

Prime Minister Algirdas Butkevičius stated that the Law on Original Spelling of Surnames will be accepted in autumn, after receiving application of Commission of the Lithuanian Language.

“As far as I know, this Act is going to have a support. After presentation in Parliament the Act will be send to Commission of the Language that will present its conclusions in return.  I hope that the Act is going to be approved in autumn”, said Butkevičius.

In February Constitutional Court stated that on the request of linguists, Parliament can change the regulations concerning surnames in passports.

Original spelling is demanded not only by Polish politicians in Lithuania but also by Lithuanian women who are getting marry to foreigners.

Critics of this Act are claiming that it will diminish a national role of Lithuanian language and also they are paying attention to the problems with spelling and understanding of surnames.

In 2010 Parliament rejected the Law on Original Spelling of Surnames which outlines were designed by contemporary Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius. In the current term the Act is also barely accepted.

Today, Parliament is going to look into above-mentioned Act and National Minorities Act in which points of disagreement are bilingual plates.

“Coalition had not come to an agreement about some issues. I reckon some of the amendments will be accepted, some of them – not”, commented Prime Minister.