Steponavičius: EAPL did not sign the resolution on national minorities’ schools

We registered a resolution on national minorities’ schools in the Seimas as a reaction to the statement by the former head of the National Security Department – said Gintaras Steponavičius, the initiatior of the resolution and a member of Lithuania’s Movement of Liberals, for “Znad Wilii” Radio.

Last week, the former head of the National Security Deprtment, Gedeminas Grina, posted on his Facebook page that national minorities’ schools are becoming „ghettos of education” which is why it is no wonder that the students of these schools later attend militarised summer camps in Russia. In Grina’s opinion, there should be no private or public national minorities’ schools, except international schools for children of diplomats from NATO countries.

„We do not want for such declarations to antagonise Lithuanian citizens, which is why we created the resolution” – Steponavičius explains. The resolution registered by the liberals states, among other things, that national minorities’ schools are an important and inherent part of Lithuanian culture and education. The document was signed by the representatives of various political fractions – both from the opposition and the leading party. “Unfortunately, representatives of EAPL did not sign the resolution, even though they had a chance” – Steponavičius informed. He also expressed hope that EAPL is going to vote in favour of the resolution.

„I think that the politicians representing national minorities do not know what to do. I can see it.” – said the politician. He added that is a consequence of Grina’s statement. According to Steponavičius, EAPL was partly responsible for intensifying the conflict. “Politicians from EAPL benefitted politically at the cost of education system” – said the liberal and emphasised that introducing standardised test was legitimate.