Lithuania voted in a presidential election dominated by security concerns. However, the main candidates all agreed that NATO and EU members should boost defence spending to counter the perceived threat from neighbouring Russia.

Lithuania re-elects President Gitanas Nauseda for the second term | Race To Power

Lithuania’s President Gitanas Nauseda has won&nbsp;the presidential elections by defeating Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte.

As per nearly 90 per cent of polling stations, Nauseda led the race with around three-quarters of the vote. The election has been marked by heightened security concerns due to Lithuania's proximity to Russia.

"I want to congratulate the Lithuanian president-elect," Simonyte reportedly said.&nbsp;

Earlier results had shown Nauseda capturing 78 per cent of the votes with 62 per cent of the ballots counted.

This is the second time Nauseda has defeated Simonyte in a presidential run-off, the first being in 2019 where he won with 66 per cent of the vote.

Nauseda’s presidency involves a semi-executive role, which includes commanding the armed forces, chairing the defence and national security policy body, and representing Lithuania at NATO and EU summits.

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Addressing supporters in Vilnius, Nauseda said, "Lithuanian independence and freedom is like a fragile vessel which we need to cherish and keep from cracking."

In the first round of the election on May 12, Nauseda, a former senior economist with SEB, won 44 per cent of the vote, falling short of the majority needed for an outright victory. Simonyte was the only female candidate among eight and secured 20 per cent by securing the second spot in the first round.&nbsp;

<h2>Both backed an increase in defence spending&nbsp;</h2>

Both candidates advocated for an increase in&nbsp;defence spending to at least 3 per cent of Lithuania’s GDP, up from the planned 2.75 per cent for 2024, in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

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Lithuania has been a steadfast ally of Ukraine, with over half of Lithuanians believing a Russian attack is possible or very likely, according to a recent poll.

The relationship between Nauseda and Simonyte has also influenced Lithuania’s foreign policy, particularly regarding China.

In 2021, Lithuania allowed Taiwan to open a de facto embassy under its own name, leading to strained relations with Beijing.

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Nauseda has maintained a firm stance, clashing with Simonyte on issues like legal recognition of same-sex civil partnerships, which he opposes.

Simonyte expressed her vision for Lithuania’s future before the election, stating, "The direction for the country - pro-European, pro-Western - would not change. But I would like quicker progress, more openness and understanding, larger tolerance to people who are different from us."

(With inputs from agencies)

Lithuania’s President Gitanas Nauseda has won the presidential elections by defeating Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte. As per nearly 90 per cent of polling stations, Nauseda led the race with around three-quarters of the vote.

Lithuania’s President Gitanas Nauseda has won the presidential elections by defeating Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte. As per nearly 90 per cent of polling stations, Nauseda led the race with around three-quarters of the vote. The election has been marked by heightened security concerns due to Lithuania's proximity to Russia. "I want to congratulate the Lithuanian president-elect," Simonyte reportedly said. Earlier results had shown Nauseda capturing 78 per cent of the votes with 62 per cent of the ballots counted. This is the second time Nauseda has defeated Simonyte in a presidential run-off, the first being in 2019 where he won with 66 per cent of the vote. Nauseda’s presidency involves a semi-executive role, which includes commanding the armed forces, chairing the defence and national security policy body, and representing Lithuania at NATO and EU summits. Also Read | At least 15 killed in Texas, Arkansas and Oklahoma as powerful storms devastate central US Addressing supporters in Vilnius, Nauseda said, "Lithuanian independence and freedom is like a fragile vessel which we need to cherish and keep from cracking." In the first round of the election on May 12, Nauseda, a former senior economist with SEB, won 44 per cent of the vote, falling short of the majority needed for an outright victory. Simonyte was the only female candidate among eight and secured 20 per cent by securing the second spot in the first round. Both backed an increase in defence spending Both candidates advocated for an increase in defence spending to at least 3 per cent of Lithuania’s GDP, up from the planned 2.75 per cent for 2024, in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Also Read | Israeli airstrikes in Rafah camp for displaced people kill 35 Palestinians: Gaza health ministry Lithuania has been a steadfast ally of Ukraine, with over half of Lithuanians believing a Russian attack is possible or very likely, according to a recent poll. The relationship between Nauseda and Simonyte has also influenced Lithuania’s foreign policy, particularly regarding China. In 2021, Lithuania allowed Taiwan to open a de facto embassy under its own name, leading to strained relations with Beijing. Watch | UK: Poll suggests Tories set to lose General polls 2024 × Nauseda has maintained a firm stance, clashing with Simonyte on issues like legal recognition of same-sex civil partnerships, which he opposes. Simonyte expressed her vision for Lithuania’s future before the election, stating, "The direction for the country - pro-European, pro-Western - would not change. But I would like quicker progress, more openness and understanding, larger tolerance to people who are different from us." (With inputs from agencies)

Staunch Ukraine supporter Gitanas Nauseda wins second term as Lithuanian President

Lithuania on Wednesday adopted a law that restricts migrants rights and speeds up asylum claims, following a spike in arrivals from Africa and the Middle East via Belarus.

President Gitanas Nauseda signed off on the legislation but called it "flawed" and asked for parliament to amend it later this year.

Nauseda said that vetoing the law altogether would have sent a "completely unacceptable signal to the countries of origin".

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The law allows for migrants to be detained for up to six months and makes it harder for them to appeal against asylum rejections.

"Today we have the law which violates fundamental principles of human rights and humanity," Akvile Krisciunaite, a researcher at Diversity Development Group, told AFP.

"Human rights are the same for everyone, whether we are talking about migrants or Lithuanian citizens."

The government has said the law will allow asylum claims to be processed in 10 days in order to swiftly separate genuine refugees from economic migrants.

Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis visited Iraq last week to persuade the country to establish an effective readmission policy, but he said Baghdad was "cautious" about the matter.

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The Baltic EU member state has seen more than 2,200 arrivals since the start of the year across the border from Belarus.

Lithuanian officials suspect that the influx is being orchestrated by the Russia-backed Belarusian regime as a form of retaliation against EU sanctions, calling it "hybrid aggression".

Lithuania on Wednesday adopted a law that restricts migrants rights and speeds up asylum claims, following a spike in arrivals from Africa and the Middle East via Belarus.

Lithuania on Wednesday adopted a law that restricts migrants rights and speeds up asylum claims, following a spike in arrivals from Africa and the Middle East via Belarus. President Gitanas Nauseda signed off on the legislation but called it "flawed" and asked for parliament to amend it later this year. Nauseda said that vetoing the law altogether would have sent a "completely unacceptable signal to the countries of origin". The law allows for migrants to be detained for up to six months and makes it harder for them to appeal against asylum rejections. "Today we have the law which violates fundamental principles of human rights and humanity," Akvile Krisciunaite, a researcher at Diversity Development Group, told AFP. "Human rights are the same for everyone, whether we are talking about migrants or Lithuanian citizens." The government has said the law will allow asylum claims to be processed in 10 days in order to swiftly separate genuine refugees from economic migrants. Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis visited Iraq last week to persuade the country to establish an effective readmission policy, but he said Baghdad was "cautious" about the matter. The Baltic EU member state has seen more than 2,200 arrivals since the start of the year across the border from Belarus. Lithuanian officials suspect that the influx is being orchestrated by the Russia-backed Belarusian regime as a form of retaliation against EU sanctions, calling it "hybrid aggression".

Lithuania adopts law restricting migrant rights

Moscow will respond in kind after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lithuania-pardons-russian-spies-ahead-of-possible-swap-with-moscow-262288">Lithuania pardoned two Russians</a> jailed for espionage, the head of Russia's foreign intelligence agency said Friday.

"According to my information, it is reciprocal measures," Sergei Naryshkin, director of the Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) told Russian news agencies in response to a question about Moscow's reaction.

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda on Friday pardoned two Russians jailed by Vilnius in 2017 for espionage, Nikolai Filipchenko and Sergei Moiseyenko.

The pair could be exchanged for two Lithuanian citizens, Yevgeny Mataitis and Aristidas Tamosaitis, convicted in 2016 of spying in Russia, the Baltic News Service said.

The two Lithuanians were sentenced in Russia for allegedly passing Russian military intelligence to Lithuania.

Lithuania and its fellow Baltic states Estonia and Latvia have strained relations with neighbouring Russia.

A Norwegian, Frode Berg, convicted of spying and jailed in Russia could also be part of the spy swap, the BNS said, quoting senior officials who requested anonymity.

Moscow will respond in kind after Lithuania pardoned two Russians jailed for espionage, the head of Russia's foreign intelligence agency said Friday. "According to my information, it is reciprocal measures," Sergei Naryshkin, director of the Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) told Russian news agencies in response to a question about Moscow's reaction.

Moscow will respond in kind after Lithuania pardoned two Russians jailed for espionage, the head of Russia's foreign intelligence agency said Friday. "According to my information, it is reciprocal measures," Sergei Naryshkin, director of the Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) told Russian news agencies in response to a question about Moscow's reaction. Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda on Friday pardoned two Russians jailed by Vilnius in 2017 for espionage, Nikolai Filipchenko and Sergei Moiseyenko. The pair could be exchanged for two Lithuanian citizens, Yevgeny Mataitis and Aristidas Tamosaitis, convicted in 2016 of spying in Russia, the Baltic News Service said. The two Lithuanians were sentenced in Russia for allegedly passing Russian military intelligence to Lithuania. Lithuania and its fellow Baltic states Estonia and Latvia have strained relations with neighbouring Russia. A Norwegian, Frode Berg, convicted of spying and jailed in Russia could also be part of the spy swap, the BNS said, quoting senior officials who requested anonymity.

Moscow will respond in kind to Lithuania's pardon of Russian spies: Spy chief

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda on Friday pardoned two Russians jailed by Vilnius for espionage, an official statement said, paving the way for a possible spy swap with Moscow.

Nauseda signed the decree to pardon Nikolai Filipchenko and Sergei Moisejenko who are serving prison terms for espionage in the Baltic EU and NATO state, according to the statement published on his official website.

Both Russians were sentenced by Lithuanian courts in 2017. They could be exchanged for two Lithuanian citizens, Yevgeny Mataitis and Aristidas Tamosaitis, convicted of spying in Russia in 2016, the Baltic News Service said. &nbsp;

A Norwegian, Frode Berg, convicted of spying and jailed in Russia could also be part of the swap, BNS said, quoting senior officials who requested anonymity.

Nauseda&nbsp;the decree said the Russians were pardoned in line with a new law on spy swaps.&nbsp;

Presidential spokesman Antanas Bubnelis declined further comment when contacted by AFP on Friday.&nbsp;

Lithuanian officials said Filipchenko worked for the FSB Russian federal security service and was trying to recruit senior officials in the Baltic state, which was under Moscow's thumb during the Soviet era.

He was sentenced to 10 years behind bars and did not appeal.&nbsp;

Moisejenko was jailed for 10 years and six months after a Vilnius court ruled he recruited a Lithuanian army captain who served at the country's Siauliai military airbase. He had pleaded innocent.&nbsp;

The two Lithuanians were sentenced in Russia in 2016 for allegedly sharing Russian military intelligence with Lithuania.

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda on Friday pardoned two Russians jailed by Vilnius for espionage, an official statement said, paving the way for a possible spy swap with Moscow.

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda on Friday pardoned two Russians jailed by Vilnius for espionage, an official statement said, paving the way for a possible spy swap with Moscow. Nauseda signed the decree to pardon Nikolai Filipchenko and Sergei Moisejenko who are serving prison terms for espionage in the Baltic EU and NATO state, according to the statement published on his official website. Both Russians were sentenced by Lithuanian courts in 2017. They could be exchanged for two Lithuanian citizens, Yevgeny Mataitis and Aristidas Tamosaitis, convicted of spying in Russia in 2016, the Baltic News Service said. A Norwegian, Frode Berg, convicted of spying and jailed in Russia could also be part of the swap, BNS said, quoting senior officials who requested anonymity. Nauseda the decree said the Russians were pardoned in line with a new law on spy swaps. Presidential spokesman Antanas Bubnelis declined further comment when contacted by AFP on Friday. Lithuanian officials said Filipchenko worked for the FSB Russian federal security service and was trying to recruit senior officials in the Baltic state, which was under Moscow's thumb during the Soviet era. He was sentenced to 10 years behind bars and did not appeal. Moisejenko was jailed for 10 years and six months after a Vilnius court ruled he recruited a Lithuanian army captain who served at the country's Siauliai military airbase. He had pleaded innocent. The two Lithuanians were sentenced in Russia in 2016 for allegedly sharing Russian military intelligence with Lithuania.

Lithuania pardons Russian spies ahead of possible swap with Moscow

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu in Lithuania&nbsp;has stressed the need for collective action from all countries to tackle terrorism and also to isolate those nations who aid and abet terror.

"Terrorism is one of the major challenges confronting the world today. All the nations must intensify their collective efforts and strive to eliminate the menace of terrorism and also isolate nations which aid and abet terrorism," he said in a joint presser along with Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda on Saturday. India has extended e-Visa facility to Lithuanian nationals for ease of mobility, Naidu said.

Urging Lithuanian businesses to take advantage of economic opportunities in India, the Vice President said, "We would also be happy to have Lithuania as our energy transformation partner as India plans to generate 100 GW from solar energy by 2022."

Both countries on Saturday signed 3 MoUs to boost cultural, agricultural and legal cooperation. The signing of the agreements was witnessed by Naidu and Nauseda.

"Diversifying a historic relationship. VP @MVenkaiahNaidu and President Gitanas Nauseda of #Lithuania witnessed the signing of three MoUs to strengthen agricultural, cultural and legal cooperation between the two countries," MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted.

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Diversifying a historic relationship. 
 
VP <a href="https://twitter.com/MVenkaiahNaidu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MVenkaiahNaidu</a> and President Gitanas Nauseda of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Lithuania?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Lithuania</a> witnessed the signing of three MoUs to strengthen agricultural, cultural and legal cooperation between the two countries. <a href="https://t.co/PhPUAhWACb">pic.twitter.com/PhPUAhWACb</a>
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1162764264450527232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Naidu is on a three-nation visit to the Balkan nations of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. He arrived in Lithuania on Saturday on the first leg of his visit.

The Vice President was received by the country's foreign minister Linas Linkevicius, India's Ambassador to Lithuania Tsewang Namgyal and others.

Naidu proceeded to the Presidential Palace where he was received by Nauseda. Both leaders held one-on-one talks and delegation-level negotiations to review the bilateral ties.

During the talks, the two sides agreed the need to make the UN Security Council more representative to reflect the realities of today and address current global challenges.

Lithuania has also backed India to have permanent membership in an expanded and reformed UN Security Council.

The Vice President received a copy of the book 'History of Lithuania' in Sanskrit.

"Happy to have received a copy of the book 'History of #Lithuania' in #Sanskrit. Lithuanian is the oldest Indo-European language &amp; it has strong links with Sanskrit. I hope that many more books on Lithuanian history, culture and society get published in Indian languages," read a tweet from the Vice President of India.

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu in Lithuania has stressed the need for collective action from all countries to tackle terrorism and also to isolate those nations who aid and abet terror.

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu in Lithuania has stressed the need for collective action from all countries to tackle terrorism and also to isolate those nations who aid and abet terror. "Terrorism is one of the major challenges confronting the world today. All the nations must intensify their collective efforts and strive to eliminate the menace of terrorism and also isolate nations which aid and abet terrorism," he said in a joint presser along with Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda on Saturday. India has extended e-Visa facility to Lithuanian nationals for ease of mobility, Naidu said. Urging Lithuanian businesses to take advantage of economic opportunities in India, the Vice President said, "We would also be happy to have Lithuania as our energy transformation partner as India plans to generate 100 GW from solar energy by 2022." Both countries on Saturday signed 3 MoUs to boost cultural, agricultural and legal cooperation. The signing of the agreements was witnessed by Naidu and Nauseda. "Diversifying a historic relationship. VP @MVenkaiahNaidu and President Gitanas Nauseda of #Lithuania witnessed the signing of three MoUs to strengthen agricultural, cultural and legal cooperation between the two countries," MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted. Diversifying a historic relationship. VP @MVenkaiahNaidu and President Gitanas Nauseda of #Lithuania witnessed the signing of three MoUs to strengthen agricultural, cultural and legal cooperation between the two countries. pic.twitter.com/PhPUAhWACb — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) August 17, 2019 × Naidu is on a three-nation visit to the Balkan nations of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. He arrived in Lithuania on Saturday on the first leg of his visit. The Vice President was received by the country's foreign minister Linas Linkevicius, India's Ambassador to Lithuania Tsewang Namgyal and others. Naidu proceeded to the Presidential Palace where he was received by Nauseda. Both leaders held one-on-one talks and delegation-level negotiations to review the bilateral ties. During the talks, the two sides agreed the need to make the UN Security Council more representative to reflect the realities of today and address current global challenges. Lithuania has also backed India to have permanent membership in an expanded and reformed UN Security Council. The Vice President received a copy of the book 'History of Lithuania' in Sanskrit. "Happy to have received a copy of the book 'History of #Lithuania' in #Sanskrit. Lithuanian is the oldest Indo-European language & it has strong links with Sanskrit. I hope that many more books on Lithuanian history, culture and society get published in Indian languages," read a tweet from the Vice President of India.

All nations must intensify collective efforts to eliminate terrorism: Vice President Venkaiah Naidu

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pro-european-union-rivals-vye-to-become-lithuanias-next-president-217893/amp">Conservative ex-finance minister Ingrida Simonyte </a>won a paper-thin victory over political novice Gitanas Nauseda in round one of Lithuania's presidential election on Sunday, sending both to a tight May 26 run-off set to focus on inequality and poverty in the Baltic eurozone state.

Centre-left Prime Minister Saulius Skvernelis vowed to quit after he was eliminated from the run-off having finished in third place.

Conceding that "the failure to get into the second round is an assessment of me as a politician," Skvernelis told reporters that he would "step down on July 12."

He did not rule out early elections. The next regularly-scheduled parliamentary elections are due in October 2020.

Although Lithuanian presidents do not directly craft economic policy, bread and butter issues and tackling corruption have dominated the campaign.&nbsp;

Simonyte, who is popular with wealthy, educated urban voters, garnered 31.13 per cent of the vote compared to 30.95 for Nauseda who advocates a welfare state, full official results showed early on Monday.

Skvernelis whose populist approach resonated with the rural poor took 19.72 per cent of the vote contested by a total of nine candidates.

&nbsp;Resist populism&nbsp;

Simonyte told supporters she would resist "populism" during her second-round campaign and seek support from political forces "with consistent views that do not try to be on the right with one leg and the left with the other."

Simonyte, 44, a technocrat who also warns against deepening inequality and the rural-urban divide, has vowed to reduce it by boosting growth further.&nbsp;

Socially liberal, Simonyte supports same-sex partnerships which still stir controversy in the predominantly Catholic country.

Economist Nauseda is campaigning on promises of seeking political middle-ground and build a welfare state.

"I want to thank all the people who took to their hearts our message that we want a welfare state in Lithuania and we want more political peace," Nauseda told reporters in Vilnius as results rolled in.

The 54-year-old former banking consultant is seeking to bridge the growing rich-poor divide in the former Soviet republic of 2.8 million people, which joined the European Union and NATO in 2004.

"Nauseda has a greater chance to attract votes that went to other candidates, especially from the left," Vilnius University analyst Ramunas Vilpisauskas told AFP.

Both Nauseda and Simonyte are strong supporters of EU and NATO membership as bulwarks against neighbouring Russia, especially since Moscow's 2014 military intervention in Ukraine.

Lithuanian presidents steer defence and foreign policy, attending EU and NATO summits, but must consult with the government and the prime minister on appointing the most senior officials.

Popular incumbent President Dalia Grybauskaite, an independent in her second consecutive term, must step down due to term limits.

The politician nicknamed the "Iron Lady" for her strong resolve has been tipped as a contender to be the next president of the European Council.

'Risk of poverty'&nbsp;

Analyst Vilpisauskas said that both Nauseda and Simonyte are very likely to opt for continuity in foreign and defence policy.

"With Nauseda, there can be some tactical changes when it comes to communication with neighbours but the strategical line is unlikely to change."

Lithuania is struggling with a sharp decline in population owing to mass emigration to Western Europe by people seeking better opportunities.&nbsp;

The global financial crisis triggered a deep recession 10 years ago and austerity measures imposed to prevent further crisis took a high toll, especially on low-income earners.

Despite solid economic growth, a recent EU report noted that almost 30 per cent of Lithuanians "is at risk of poverty or social exclusion" and that this risk is "nearly double" in rural areas.

Robust annual wage growth of around 10 per cent has raised the average gross monthly salary to 970 euros ($1,100) but poverty and income inequality remain among the highest in the EU, largely due to weak progressive taxation.

Unemployment stood at 6.5 per cent in the first quarter of 2019, and the economy is forecast to grow by 2.7 per cent this year, well above an average of 1.1 per cent in the 19-member eurozone.

Brussels has urged Vilnius to use solid growth fuelled mostly by consumption to broaden its tax base and spend more on social policies.

Nauseda voter Feliksas Markevicius said he wanted the new president to help emigrants to return home to Lithuania.

"We need to improve living conditions because many people are forced to work abroad," the pensioner told AFP after voting in Vilnius on Sunday.

Voter turnout was 54.96 per cent.

Conservative ex-finance minister Ingrida Simonyte won a paper-thin victory over political novice Gitanas Nauseda in round one of Lithuania's presidential election on Sunday, sending both to a tight May 26 run-off set to focus on inequality and poverty in the Baltic eurozone state.

Conservative ex-finance minister Ingrida Simonyte won a paper-thin victory over political novice Gitanas Nauseda in round one of Lithuania's presidential election on Sunday, sending both to a tight May 26 run-off set to focus on inequality and poverty in the Baltic eurozone state. Centre-left Prime Minister Saulius Skvernelis vowed to quit after he was eliminated from the run-off having finished in third place. Conceding that "the failure to get into the second round is an assessment of me as a politician," Skvernelis told reporters that he would "step down on July 12." He did not rule out early elections. The next regularly-scheduled parliamentary elections are due in October 2020. Although Lithuanian presidents do not directly craft economic policy, bread and butter issues and tackling corruption have dominated the campaign. Simonyte, who is popular with wealthy, educated urban voters, garnered 31.13 per cent of the vote compared to 30.95 for Nauseda who advocates a welfare state, full official results showed early on Monday. Skvernelis whose populist approach resonated with the rural poor took 19.72 per cent of the vote contested by a total of nine candidates. Resist populism Simonyte told supporters she would resist "populism" during her second-round campaign and seek support from political forces "with consistent views that do not try to be on the right with one leg and the left with the other." Simonyte, 44, a technocrat who also warns against deepening inequality and the rural-urban divide, has vowed to reduce it by boosting growth further. Socially liberal, Simonyte supports same-sex partnerships which still stir controversy in the predominantly Catholic country. Economist Nauseda is campaigning on promises of seeking political middle-ground and build a welfare state. "I want to thank all the people who took to their hearts our message that we want a welfare state in Lithuania and we want more political peace," Nauseda told reporters in Vilnius as results rolled in. The 54-year-old former banking consultant is seeking to bridge the growing rich-poor divide in the former Soviet republic of 2.8 million people, which joined the European Union and NATO in 2004. "Nauseda has a greater chance to attract votes that went to other candidates, especially from the left," Vilnius University analyst Ramunas Vilpisauskas told AFP. Both Nauseda and Simonyte are strong supporters of EU and NATO membership as bulwarks against neighbouring Russia, especially since Moscow's 2014 military intervention in Ukraine. Lithuanian presidents steer defence and foreign policy, attending EU and NATO summits, but must consult with the government and the prime minister on appointing the most senior officials. Popular incumbent President Dalia Grybauskaite, an independent in her second consecutive term, must step down due to term limits. The politician nicknamed the "Iron Lady" for her strong resolve has been tipped as a contender to be the next president of the European Council. 'Risk of poverty' Analyst Vilpisauskas said that both Nauseda and Simonyte are very likely to opt for continuity in foreign and defence policy. "With Nauseda, there can be some tactical changes when it comes to communication with neighbours but the strategical line is unlikely to change." Lithuania is struggling with a sharp decline in population owing to mass emigration to Western Europe by people seeking better opportunities. The global financial crisis triggered a deep recession 10 years ago and austerity measures imposed to prevent further crisis took a high toll, especially on low-income earners. Despite solid economic growth, a recent EU report noted that almost 30 per cent of Lithuanians "is at risk of poverty or social exclusion" and that this risk is "nearly double" in rural areas. Robust annual wage growth of around 10 per cent has raised the average gross monthly salary to 970 euros ($1,100) but poverty and income inequality remain among the highest in the EU, largely due to weak progressive taxation. Unemployment stood at 6.5 per cent in the first quarter of 2019, and the economy is forecast to grow by 2.7 per cent this year, well above an average of 1.1 per cent in the 19-member eurozone. Brussels has urged Vilnius to use solid growth fuelled mostly by consumption to broaden its tax base and spend more on social policies. Nauseda voter Feliksas Markevicius said he wanted the new president to help emigrants to return home to Lithuania. "We need to improve living conditions because many people are forced to work abroad," the pensioner told AFP after voting in Vilnius on Sunday. Voter turnout was 54.96 per cent.

Lithuania presidential run-off pits ex-minister against novice

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