A group of 60 MPs submitted a draft resolution to hold a referendum on the validity of dual citizenship in Lithuania next year on 12 May.

A group of 60 MPs submitted a draft resolution to hold a referendum on the validity of dual citizenship in Lithuania next year on 12 May.

The submitted draft proposes removing the Constitutional provision prohibiting dual citizenship and inserting a provision in the Constitution that “citizenship of the Republic of Lithuania is acquired by birth and on other grounds in the manner prescribed by the Constitutional Law”.

According to the proposal, it would be the Constitutional Law that would determine “specific conditions, procedures and other matters related to the acquisition and loss of dual citizenship”. 

A referendum on the legislation of dual citizenship was organised in 2019, at the same time as the presidential elections, but there were not enough votes at the time to pass the law.

In order to change a provision in the Constitution, more than half of the eligible voters are required to vote in favour of the proposed provision.

The establishment of dual citizenship is mainly demanded by those who left the country after acquired independence on 11 March 1990. The Constitutional Court has clarified that only a referendum amending the Constitution can open the possibility of dual citizenship.

Based on: BNS