12 Lithuanian MPs failed to apply for access to classified info

The permit has already been granted to Ramūnas Karbauskis, the leader of the ruling Lithuanian Farmers and Greens Union who also heads the parliamentary Culture Affairs Committee.

“As of today, the permits have been granted to 63 MPs, six are still being scrutinized and 13 have not filled out the questionnaire, although they should have the sanction to access classified information,” Jauniškis said in a response to a written inquiry from MP Petras Gražulis of the Order and Justice party group.

After taking helm of the parliament, Speaker Viktoras Pranckietis added new items to the list of the parliamentarians who should be qualified to handle classified information. In addition to members of the National Security and Defense Committee, the permits are also needed for chairmen and vice-chairmen of all parliamentary committees and heads of parliamentary commissions.

According to information available to BNS, Pranckietis this week signed a permit for Karbauskis after a scrutiny conducted by the State Security Department.

In Pranckietis’ words, Mindaugas Bastys of the ruling Social Democratic Party is so far the only MP of the 2016-2020 parliament whose application was rejected.

Bastys now faces parliamentary impeachment over ties with persons working in Russia’s interests. The parliament has also turned to the Constitutional Court for a conclusion whether Bastys’ actions breached his oath of office and the country’s Organic Law.