Lithuania held its presidential runoff election on Sunday, May 26. Incumbent President Gitanas Nauseda, who led in the first round of elections on May 12, is working to defeat his competitors and secure another five-year term. Nauseda, a former senior economist at SEB Bank in Sweden, is not affiliated with any political party. He won the first round with 44% of the votes, but as no candidate received over 50%, a runoff was required on May 26.
In the runoff held this Sunday, Nauseda’s opponent was 49-year-old Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte from the ruling center-right Homeland Union party. She was the only female candidate among eight in the first round and ranked second with 20% of the votes.
The Lithuanian Central Electoral Commission is expected to announce the election results on Monday.
The shadow of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict has loomed over this former Soviet country’s presidential election. Lithuanian citizens are increasingly concerned that their country may also become a target of Russian aggression.
At 60 years old, Nauseda is a moderate conservative who has been a staunch supporter of Ukraine, a position shared by most political factions in the country.
Nauseda took office as Lithuania’s President in July 2019. During his tenure, the country has provided refuge for many fleeing Belarusian dictatorship and Russian crackdowns.
According to a survey conducted by ELTA/Baltijos Tyrimai in February-March this year, over half of Lithuanians believe that Russia could launch an attack, with some considering it very likely. Russia frequently denies any intention to attack NATO member states. Lithuania is both a NATO and EU member.
In a debate on Tuesday, May 21, Nauseda stated that he views Russia as an enemy. “Our enemies — they even call themselves our enemies — are trying to disrupt our political stability, and we must resist with all our might,” he said.
Both Nauseda and Simonyte support increasing Lithuania’s defense spending from the planned 2.75% of GDP to at least 3%.
While Nauseda and Simonyte align on the Russia issue, they differ on other matters, such as the legal recognition of civil unions. Nauseda opposes this idea, stating that legally recognizing such unions would make them too similar to marriage, which Lithuania’s constitution allows only between a man and a woman.
Lithuania follows a semi-presidential system where the President’s main duties include overseeing foreign and security policies, serving as the supreme commander of the armed forces, and representing the country at EU and NATO summits.
The Lithuanian President has a say in appointing key officials like judges, the Chief Prosecutor, Defense Minister, and the Central Bank Governor.
Nauseda and Simonyte previously faced off in the 2019 presidential election, where Nauseda won with 66% of the votes against Simonyte.