VILNIUS: Lithuania’s heads of state and government faced off on Sunday in the second round of the presidential election, as the Baltic nation prioritizes security and defense amid fears over neighboring Russia.
Both candidates agree that the NATO and EU member state boasting 2.8 million people should increase defence spending to counter the perceived threat, and to that end, the government recently proposed a tax hike.
Former banker and incumbent president Gitanas Nauseda, 60, is the heavy favourite to win another 5-year term, saying he expects to receive 75% of votes, AFP reported.
There have been no opinion polls since the first round when Nauseda won 44% of the ballot and Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte 20%.
Simonyte, the 49-year-old candidate of the ruling conservatives, is running for office again after losing to Nauseda in the last presidential election.
He took to social media on Sunday to urge his supporters to wait for the results in the gardens of the presidential palace, which led the electoral commission to warn of a possible violation of the rule of silence during polls time.
The president’s spokesman Ridas Jasiulionis said Nauseda would not delete his Facebook post as it did not constitute campaigning.
The Lithuanian president steers defense and foreign policy, attending NATO and EU summits, but must consult with the government and parliament on appointing the most senior officials.
While the candidates agree on defense, they share diverging views on Lithuania’s ties with China, which have been strained for years over Taiwan.
Lithuania a Significant Donor to Ukraine
Lithuania is a significant donor to Ukraine, which has been battling Russia since the 2022 aggression, and is already a big defense spender, with a military budget equal to 2.75% of GDP.
Lithuania intends to purchase tanks and additional air defense systems and to host a German brigade, as Germany plans to complete the stationing of around 5,000 troops by 2027.
Vilnius fears it could be next in the crosshairs if Russia were to win its war against Ukraine.
