Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda has secured a second five-year term in office after a decisive victory over Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonyte. Preliminary figures released by Lithuania’s Central Electoral Commission show that Nauseda won 74.5% of the votes, while Šimonyte garnered 24.1%.
Nauseda, a 60-year-old moderate conservative, has been a staunch supporter of Ukraine and has welcomed those fleeing authoritarian regimes in neighboring Belarus and increased repression in Russia. In his victory speech, Nauseda emphasized the importance of safeguarding Lithuania's independence and freedom, likening it to a fragile vessel that must be protected.
The president highlighted Lithuania's strong alliances with countries like the United States, Germany, and Poland, emphasizing shared positions on key issues such as support for Ukraine and concerns about the Russian threat.
Nauseda, a former banker who entered politics with a successful presidential bid in 2019, will be sworn in for his second term in July. His victory comes at a critical time as tensions rise in the region due to Russian advances in Ukraine.
Lithuania, strategically located on NATO's eastern flank, plays a crucial role in overseeing foreign and defense policy and serves as the supreme commander of the armed forces. The presidency of this relatively small nation gains added significance amid escalating tensions between Russia and the West.
Prime Minister Šimonyte, who conceded defeat and congratulated Nauseda, will resume her duties as prime minister in Lithuania. Both candidates have expressed support for Ukraine and have previously faced off in the 2019 presidential runoff, which Nauseda won with 66% of the votes.
With a voter turnout of 49.15%, Nauseda's landslide victory underscores strong public support for his leadership and vision for Lithuania's future. As he prepares to embark on his second term, Nauseda's re-election signals continuity in the country's foreign policy and commitment to upholding democratic values.
