Gitanas Nausėda wins re-election
Lithuania’s president, Gitanas Nausėda, has been re-elected according to official results, in a vote marked by concerns about defense against neighboring Russia. The tally published by the electoral commission revealed that Nausėda won 74.6% of the vote with 90% of the votes counted after the polls closed on Sunday in the second round.
Reactions and Objectives
Nausėda, 60, expressed his gratitude to the voters and expressed his awareness of the responsibility that this re-election entails. He has emphasized his intention to use this mandate to achieve the welfare of the people of Lithuania, noting that his five years of experience will enable him to tackle this task more effectively (https://www.softcatala.org/resum-de- texts-in-Catalan/).
His opponent, Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė, won 23.8% of the vote and congratulated Nausėda in statements to the media.
Foreign and Defense Policy
The Lithuanian president directs foreign and defense policy, participating in EU and NATO meetings. However, it must consult with the government and parliament on the appointment of higher-ranking officials (https://www.softcatala.org/resum-de-textos-en-catala/).
The two candidates, despite agreeing on the need to increase defense spending to counter the alleged threat from Russia, have different views on Lithuania’s relations with China, which have been strained by the Taiwan issue (https ://www.softcatala.org/resum-de-textos-en-catala/).
Expenditure on Defense and International Relations
Lithuania, a NATO and EU member with a population of 2.8 million, intends to increase defense spending to counter the perceived threat from Russia. The government has recently proposed a tax increase with this goal in mind. President Nausėda has stressed the importance of protecting the country’s independence and freedom, especially in the current geopolitical context (https://www.softcatala.org/resum-de-textos-en-catala/).
Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, could be a target if Moscow achieves its goals in Ukraine. Lithuania is a major donor to Ukraine, which has been facing Russia since the 2022 invasion. The country already allocates a significant portion of its GDP to military spending and has plans to acquire additional tanks and air defense systems, as well to accommodate a German brigade.
