"There is an obvious direct connection between Lukiškių Square with repressions of occupation regimes and history of freedom fights, therefore, renaming the square to Freedom Square would carry a symbolic meaning," the opposition MP said in a press release.
"We have been talking about renovating the square for over a decade. After changing the name, I think we would feel more committed to finish the work that has been started. I hope that Vilnius City Council and the mayor understand the argumentation," Kazlavickas said.
An international call for tenders to design a monument for Lukiškių Square, which was originally intended to end this week, has been extended to the end of April.
Discussions about renovation of Lukiškių Square have been continuing since 1999.
The square formed in the beginning of the 20th century. A monument to Bolshevik leader Lenin was erected in the center of the square in 1953 and was removed in 1991, shortly after Lithuania regained its independence from the Soviet Union. The space was then renamed from Lenin Square to Lukiškių Square. Nothing has been done with the it since then.
