Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda speaks to the media as he celebrates victory within the remaining spherical of the presidential election in Vilnius. | Photograph credit score: Reuters
Lithuania’s President Gitanas Nauseda received re-election on Sunday in a vote marked by protection considerations over neighboring Russia, official outcomes confirmed.
The depend launched by the electoral fee confirmed that Nauseda received 76% of the vote with 80% of the votes counted after the polls closed within the second spherical.
Voters “have given me an excellent mandate of belief and I’m very conscious that I should recognize it,” Nauseda, 60, instructed reporters in Vilnius.
“Now that I’ve 5 years of expertise, I consider that I’ll definitely have the ability to use this gem correctly, to start with to realize the welfare objectives for all of the individuals of Lithuania,” he stated.
His opponent, Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte, admitted defeat in feedback to reporters and congratulated Nauseda.
The Lithuanian president directs international and protection coverage, attending EU and NATO summits, however should seek the advice of with the federal government and parliament on the appointment of senior officers.
Whereas the candidates agree on protection, they share divergent views on Lithuania’s relations with China, which have been strained for years over Taiwan.
Each candidates agree that this NATO and EU member of two.8 million individuals ought to enhance protection spending to counter the perceived menace from Russia, and to that finish the federal government just lately proposed a tax enhance.
‘Risk of battle’
Vilnius fears will probably be subsequent within the highlight if Moscow wins its battle in opposition to Ukraine.
Lithuania is a serious donor to Ukraine, which has been combating Russia for the reason that 2022 invasion. It already spends closely on protection, with a navy funds equal to 2.75% of GDP.
It intends to buy further tanks and air protection programs, and host a German brigade, as Berlin plans to finish the stationing of round 5,000 troops by 2027.
Pensioner Ausra Vysniauskiene stated she voted for Nauseda.
“He’s an clever man, he speaks many languages, he’s educated, he’s a banker,” the 67-year-old instructed AFP.
“I would like males to guide, particularly when the specter of battle is so nice.”
Pressure over Taiwan
Simonyte, the 49-year-old candidate for the ruling conservatives, ran for president once more after shedding to Nauseda within the final presidential vote.
The uneasy relationship between Nauseda and the Simonyte conservatives has at instances sparked debates about international coverage, particularly over Lithuania’s relations with China.
Bilateral ties turned strained in 2021, when Vilnius allowed Taiwan to open a de facto embassy beneath the island’s identify, a departure from the frequent diplomatic observe of utilizing the identify of the capital, Taipei, to keep away from angering Beijing.
China, which considers self-ruled Taiwan a part of its territory, downgraded diplomatic relations with Vilnius and blocked its exports, prompting some Lithuanian politicians to name for restoring relations for the sake of the economic system.
Nauseda sees the necessity to change the identify of the consultant workplace, whereas Simonyte is opposed.
homosexual rights
However voters additionally cited private variations between the candidates, in addition to financial insurance policies and human rights.
Simonyte gained assist from liberal voters in bigger cities and conventional conservative voters.
A fiscal conservative with liberal views on social points, she significantly helps same-sex {couples}, a controversial subject in a predominantly Catholic nation.
“I want to see quicker progress, extra openness… extra tolerance towards people who find themselves completely different from us,” he stated throughout his early voting.
Nauseda, who maintains a average stance on nearly all points, has established himself as a promoter of the welfare state, with conservative views on homosexual rights.
