By Linas Jegelevicius in Vilnius
Lithuania’s incumbent President Gitanas Nauseda has secured a second five-year term in office with a whopping 74.64% vote on May 26, with a mere 23.85% supporting Ingrida Simonyte, the candidate of the ruling Homeland Union -LCD (HU-LCD) and the country’s current premier.
As reported by bne IntelliNews, in the first round a fortnight ago, in the line-up of eight candidates, Nauseda received a little over 44% of the votes and Simonyte garnered almost 20%.
“The people of Lithuania have given me a great mandate of trust and I am well aware that I will have to cherish this credit of trust,” Nauseda told journalists in Vilnius late on May 26.
“Now that I have five years of experience, I believe that I will be able to use this jewel in a proper way, first and foremost to achieve the goals of prosperity for all the people of Lithuania,” he added.
Nauseda said he will continue to focus on the welfare state during his second term as the head of state. He also stressed foreign policy and security as two important areas of focus.
Before all the votes were counted, Simonyte conceded defeat to the incumbent Nauseda.
“I would like to congratulate the president-elect of Lithuania,” Simonyte said.
She said she will return to work as prime minister on May 27. According to her, her current post did not help her while campaigning in the presidential election.
According to the Lithuanian Constitution, after a presidential election, the government has to anew receive the new president's approval to continue its work.
There are no doubts that, with general election to be held in early October, Nauseda will allow the HU-LCD-led cabinet to continue its work.
Nauseda and Simonyte already faced off in the presidential election run-off five years ago. Back then, Nauseda won after receiving almost 66% of the vote.
The Central Electoral Commission (VRK) is expected to confirm the election results later this week.
