Seimas awards Aleksandras Stulginskis Star to Irena Degutienė and Felicija Nijolė Sadūnaitė

Press release, 7 May 2024

The Seimas has awarded the Aleksandras Stulginskis Star of 2024 to Irena Degutienė, a long-standing Member and former Speaker of the Seimas, and recently departed Felicija Nijolė Sadūnaitė, a revered champion of democracy, dissident and esteemed nun who died a month ago.

At the Seimas sitting on 16 May 2024, the Aleksandras Stulginskis Star award will be officially handed in to Mrs Degutienė and either to Jonas Aloyzas Sadūnas, the late Felicija Nijolė Sadūnaitė’s brother, or to his daughter Marija Sadūnaitė, should he be unable to attend.

‘The awarding of the Aleksandras Stulginskis Star by the Seimas to Irena Degutienė, a stalwart Member and former Speaker of the Seimas, and Felicija Nijolė Sadūnaitė, tireless defender of democracy, dissident and esteemed nun, embodies a heartfelt tribute, expressing deep respect and gratitude for their remarkable contributions and merits. In conferring this prestigious award, may it stand as a beacon of respect, dedication to our nation, and the tireless pursuit of freedom and democratic values for every citizen,’ remarked Antanas Vinkus, Chair of the Commission for Awarding the Aleksandras Stulginskis Star, during the Seimas sitting.

In the words of Mr Vinkus, Ms Degutienė’s path was paved with the principles of tolerance, democracy and political culture. She consistently upheld minority rights, respected her opponents, afforded them the platform to express their views, actively listened to their perspectives, and pursued dialogue during contentious political debates. ‘Despite withdrawal from active political engagement, Ms Degutienė remains an unwavering advocate of parliamentary democracy till this day, epitomising a steadfast and reasoned stance on matters of public importance,’ he noted.

With reference to the late Ms Sadūnaitė, Mr Vinkus has said that her entire life was devoted to the struggle for Lithuania’s freedom and independence. ‘In 1990, the California Republican Party, as a branch of the US Republican Party, awarded the late Ms Sadūnaitė with a medal for her long-standing struggle for human rights. In 1992, the late Ms Sadūnaitė was awarded the title of Honorary Citizen of the State of Texas in the US and the Medal of January 13 at home. In 1998, President Adamkus presented her with the Grand Cross of Commander of the Cross of Vytis. In 2000, she was awarded the Independence Medal of Lithuania, and on 13 January 2018 she received the 2017 Freedom Prize,’ Mr Vinkus stressed. According to him, the life of the late Sister Sadūnaitė continues to inspire not only Lithuania but also the global community.

A total of 108 MPs voted unanimously in favour of the Seimas resolution concerning the award.

The Aleksandras Stulginskis Star award of the Seimas is aimed at recognising the achievements and contributions of Lithuanian and foreign natural and legal persons towards fostering the ideas of parliamentarianism, democracy and statehood.

The Aleksandras Stulginskis Star is handed in on 15 May, the day the Constituent Seimas was convened, or during the nearest sitting of the Seimas.

Aleksandras Stulginskis Star award was established on 22 December 2020 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the proclamation of the Constituent Seimas and the Republic of Lithuania. The award is intended to pay tribute to the prominent personality of Mr Stulginskis, the Speaker of the Constituent Seimas, who served as President of the Republic.

Rimas Rudaitis, Adviser, Press Office, Information and Communication Department, tel. +370 5 209 6132, e-mail: [email protected]