Incumbent president vows to defend Lithuania against Russian threat
Lithuania is gearing up for its presidential election, with current president Gitanas Nauseda set to secure another term amid heightened security concerns following Russia’s aggression towards Ukraine. The race pits Nauseda against Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte, with both candidates pledging to maintain pro-European policies to safeguard the country.
Nauseda, a former economist, emerged as the frontrunner in the first round of voting but fell short of a majority. Concerns over a potential Russian attack loom large in the minds of Lithuanians, prompting both candidates to advocate for increased defense spending.
While Nauseda emphasizes a conservative stance on social issues, including opposition to legalizing same-sex civil partnerships, Simonyte stresses a commitment to European integration and inclusivity. Their diverging views have fueled debates on foreign policy, particularly concerning Lithuania’s relations with China.
As the election nears, the focus remains on security, with Nauseda reiterating his stance on Russia as an ‘enemy’ and vowing to protect Lithuania’s democratic values. The outcome of the election will shape the country’s future trajectory in an increasingly volatile geopolitical landscape.