As Lithuania gears up for its presidential elections, the focus of the campaign has primarily been on security concerns in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Incumbent Gitanas Nauseda, a former economist, is expected to secure a victory against his opponent Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte, with the looming threat of a potential Russian attack on the Baltic nation.
The Baltic nation of Lithuania, with a population of 2.8 million people, has been a staunch ally of Ukraine and has expressed worries about the possibility of becoming Moscow’s next target. The NATO and EU member has been on high alert, as over half of Lithuanians believe a Russian attack is not only possible but very likely. Nauseda has made it clear that he views Russia as an enemy and has emphasized the need to resist any attempts to destabilize the country’s politics.
Both Nauseda and Simonyte advocate for an increase in defence spending to at least 3% of Lithuania’s GDP, up from the planned 2.75% for the current year. However, the two candidates have clashed on various issues, including the recognition of same-sex civil partnerships. Nauseda opposes legal recognition, citing concerns about it being too similar to marriage, which is only permitted between a man and a woman according to Lithuania’s constitution. Simonyte, on the other hand, is in favor of more openness and tolerance towards diverse groups within society.
The Lithuanian president holds a semi-executive role, which involves leading the armed forces, chairing the supreme defence and national security policy body, and representing the country at key European Union and NATO summits. The president also plays a crucial role in setting foreign and security policies, has the power to veto laws, and is involved in the appointment of key officials such as judges, the chief prosecutor, the chief of defence, and the head of the central bank.
This will be the second time that Nauseda and Simonyte are competing in a presidential run-off, with Nauseda having emerged victorious in the 2019 elections with 66% of the vote. In the current campaign, Nauseda is seen as the frontrunner, with his tough stance on security issues resonating with a majority of Lithuanians who fear a potential Russian threat. Simonyte, on the other hand, has emphasized a pro-European and pro-Western direction for the country, with a focus on progress, openness, and tolerance.
The upcoming Lithuanian presidential election is crucial for the country’s future, especially in the face of escalating security concerns and the need for strong leadership to navigate these turbulent times. Both candidates offer distinct visions for the country, and the choice made by Lithuanian voters will have far-reaching implications for the nation’s trajectory in the coming years.
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