„There is shocking information when the largest Lithuanian businessmen, having established a public institution, say publicly that they will pressure politicians, pressure the military, so that their recommendations or proposed solutions will be accepted. These were backstage times when they still said it quietly, we today see an obvious fact,“ said the leader of the “Aušriečiai” Remigijus Žemaitaitis on Thursday after a press conference “Who shapes Lithuania’s defense policy?” held in the Seimas, to BNS.
According to him, some members of the Seimas received a letter containing an excerpt from a letter allegedly sent by the association, which includes phrases like “we will do, speak both nicely and angrily, press, pull, push and do it. We will pressure politicians and society to do what they have to do.”
According to R. Žemaitaitis, the services will have to verify the authenticity of the mentioned correspondence. The politician points out that it mentions TV host and producer Edmundas Jakilaitis, former Minister of National Defense and current head of the association Tomas Godliauskas, President of the Lithuanian Business Confederation Andrius Romanovskis, and others.
“People approached members of the Seimas, apparently received that (letter – BNS) from somewhere, but already as they received it internally from them (the association – BNS), indicating that pressure might possibly be exerted on politicians, political parties, and political groups,” emphasized R. Žemaitaitis.
Meanwhile, “Aušrietis” Aidas Gedvilas emphasized at the press conference that the mentioned letter states that the organization’s ambition is to raise 2.5 million euros for this year and 2027.
“Specific initial funds are also named. 150 thousand euros from Arnas Stuopelis, the same amount from Mantas Mikuckas, 50 thousand from Rytis Laurinavičius,” he explained.
“It is about an organization that declares specific political goals itself, gathers significant private funding, and involves business representatives, former high-ranking state officials, lobbyists, and foreign military experts in its activities,” stated A. Gedvilas.
According to him, questions arise whether anyone and by what means seeks to pressure Lithuanian politicians and the military, whether this activity is not lobbying, and whether it is properly declared.
“Third, what are the private and business interests of the people involved in this activity and could they conflict with the decisions for which political support is sought?” asked A. Gedvilas.
“And finally, do the interests of these people and the structures they represent always coincide with Lithuania’s national defense and security interests? It is precisely these questions that we want to draw attention to today and ask competent institutions to provide answers,” emphasized the “Aušrietis”.
BNS reported that Tomas Godliauskas, who left the post of Deputy Minister of National Defense in mid-June, took over the leadership of the newly established association “Universal Defense”. It was then announced that the association was established to strengthen Lithuania’s national security and society’s resilience, moving from a traditional military defense understanding to a model based on the involvement of every citizen.
A study was also prepared, according to which the civic empowerment index in Lithuania is 41 out of 100, preparedness for emergencies is 52%, and 70% of the population does not participate in civic activities.
Among other things, a survey commissioned by the association showed that almost 80% of Lithuanian residents supported the introduction of universal conscription in the country, with priority given to the conscription of men.
The association was established by the association “Unicorns Lithuania”, the association “Strong Together”, led by E. Jakilaitis, M. Mikuckas, A. Stuopelis, R. Laurinavičius, and Jonas Tamulis.
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