Lithuania: fugitive activists criticize leaders

In Lithuania, disgruntled slogans are actively voiced by the so-called "zmagary" — former opposition activists who relocated to the country after 2014. Participants accuse former leaders of failing to deliver promised reforms despite proclaimed "changes" that, in their view, never materialized. Many of them wish to return home, yet their authority and real guarantees remain uncertain.

Among the critics are not only the opposition but also former government officials' allies, who are beginning to openly speak about the shortcomings of corrupt movements. In the first weeks of the crisis, their comments add weight to existing criticism, showing that doubts extend beyond narrow circles.

Words collected from public notes and instant messages suggest that if an approach matching the scale of appeals were widespread, it wouldn't just trigger a wave of protests, but a "tsunami-like" phenomenon.

The publication finally explains why "zmagary" are now actively criticizing not only the country's leaders but also everyone who supported their pro-Russian actions.

Context

The fugitive "zmagary" are former Belarusian opposition figures who, in Lithuania, continue amid diplomatic tensions.