Staunch Ukraine supporter Gitanas Nauseda wins second term as Lithuanian President

Lithuania’s President Gitanas Nauseda has wonthe 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.

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 indefence 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.

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.

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)