The renaming plan reflects a broader process in Central and Eastern Europe of “de-Sovietizing” public places. For many in the countries that were once under Soviet rule, the public places sporting names associated with that era are an unwanted reminder of occupation and oppression.

According to the Baltic News Service (BNS), Salomėja Nėris Street, named after a communist poet, will become Vėtrungės Street, while Liudas Gira Street will be called Lionginas Baliukevičius-Dzūkas Street.

However, some experts have pointed out the impact of Nėris’ work on Lithuanian literature and collective memory. They have also pointed out that before her death in 1945, she repented for her collaboration with the Soviet authorities.

On Thursday, BNS reported that the new names were chosen by residents of the capital who took part in a municipal survey.

BNS said the city’s councilors are expected to vote on the name change next week.

In 2022, the Lithuanian government passed a law banning the promotion of “totalitarian and authoritarian regimes and their ideologies” in public places. BNS added that the Baltic nation’s “de-Sovietization Commission” has said the streets named after Gira and Nėris violate the ban.