Official results confirm Nausėda’s victory
The president of Lithuania, Gitanas Nausėda, has won re-election, according to the official results of the vote. With 74.6% of the votes counted after the polls closed in the second round, Nausėda has won a clear victory.
Defense and international relations concerns
The vote was marked by defense concerns regarding neighboring Russia. Both Nausėda and her opponent, Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė, agree on the need to increase defense spending to counter the perceived threat from Russia. However, they have divergent views on Lithuania’s relations with China, which have been strained over the Taiwan issue.
Continuity in foreign and security policy
Nausėda, who heads Lithuania’s foreign and defense policy, stressed that his re-election guarantees continuity in these areas. The president is expected to remain active in the country’s foreign and security policy.
The role of the Lithuanian president
The Lithuanian president is responsible for directing the country’s foreign and defense policy, attending international summits and consulting with the government and parliament in the appointment of high-ranking officials.
The challenge of Russia and the importance of defense
Lithuania, as a member of NATO and the EU, considers it necessary to increase defense spending to counter the perceived threat from Russia. The country already allocates a military budget equivalent to 2.75% of its GDP and has plans to acquire additional tanks and air defense systems. In addition, Lithuania will host a German brigade within the framework of NATO plans.
Congratulations from the opponent and future prospects
Ingrida Šimonytė, Nausėda’s opponent, has congratulated the president-elect on his victory. Now, Nausėda has a renewed mandate to work for the benefit of the Lithuanian people for the next five years.