Mamontovas Accuses Žemaitaitis of Spreading “pro-Russian Trash” and Manipulation
Lithuanian artist Andrius Mamontovas publicly confronted Remigijus Žemaitaitis, leader of the Nemunas Dawn political movement, accusing him of spreading “pro-Russian trash, anti-Semitic speeches, [and] conspiracy theories” that disqualify him from being considered part of Lithuania‘s elite. The exchange, reported by Delfi, stemmed from Žemaitaitis’s repeated attempts to position himself as an outsider challenging a perceived “Vilnius elite.”
“You are constantly trying to confront the people of Lithuania: you are trying to confront those so-called ordinary people with that so-called Vilnius elite,” Mamontovas stated, clarifying that “elite” refers to leaders in their respective fields across Lithuania. he then directly questioned Žemaitaitis’s claims, asking, “Maybe as you are not the elite of politics yourself?”
mamontovas continued, asserting that Žemaitaitis’s rhetoric prevents him from gaining acceptance within any legitimate elite circle, stating, “You can’t be in it, you don’t have the qualities.” He added,”If you blow the candles of other people,your candle will not start to burn brighter.”
Addressing Žemaitaitis directly, Mamontovas claimed that cultural figures are adept at recognizing manipulation, stating, “We see you, Žemaitaitis, we see who you are… All Lithuanian people see who you are.” He further urged Lithuanian politicians to acknowledge what he perceives as Žemaitaitis’s problematic behavior,suggesting potential compromising information might potentially be influencing their inaction. “I don’t know why you do it - because there’s no choice or… he has some video about you with dancing in the sauna?” Mamontovas questioned, implying potential blackmail. He concluded by warning of potential danger if Žemaitaitis or the Nemunas Dawn hold influence over those in power.