Lithuania – Lithuania’s President, Gitanas Nauseda, declared that he will run for reelection next year at a news conference held in Vilnius last week. If he wins, it would mark his second five-year term in the post he has held since 2019 – the maximum any individual is allowed to serve under Lithuania’s constitution.
Nauseda, now 59, is a former economist and banker who said he is “determined and committed” to continue as president, saying that he “hope[s] that the people of Lithuania will give me a strong mandate of trust, as they did in 2019.”
President Nauseda kicks off his campaign as the frontrunner, as he has wide support across Lithuania.
Highlights of Nauseda’s career include opening his country’s borders to Belarusian refugees for “humanitarian reasons” during President Alexander Lukashenko’s crackdown on dissidents in his country following the national election there. He also presented a plan for a resolution of the crisis, with the support of Latvia and Poland, further stating that Lukashenko was no longer a legitimate ruler.
The President has also enjoyed good relations with Poland’s Law and Justice government, and has condemned the European Union for its aggressive actions against the country over alleged corruption in its judiciary. He has also taken a strong stand in support of Ukraine in its current conflict with Russia, visiting Kyiv the day before the invasion to stand alongside the country and its President, Volodymyr Zelensky.

During his tenure, he faced challenges such as managing the COVID-19 pandemic and addressing economic concerns. His policies may have included a focus on economic stability, social issues, and foreign relations. A candidate for reelection would likely emphasize their achievements and propose plans for the country’s future. Nausėda’s reelection campaign might highlight his leadership style, economic strategies, and diplomatic efforts. However, the specifics would depend on his actions and policies during his initial term and the evolving political landscape in Lithuania. Public perception, prevailing issues, and the political climate would significantly influence his chances in the 2024 election.