Lithuanian President's Annual Address Emphasizes Security Resilience and National Unity

Central News Message

(Central News Agency reporter You Yaoru, Vilnius, 17th) Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda delivered his annual address to parliament on the 16th, centering on security threats, internal governance, and social cohesion, urging national unity in the face of increasingly severe geopolitical challenges.

Nausėda pointed out that hybrid warfare against Lithuania has persisted for decades, with illegal immigration infiltration, cyberattacks, and disinformation on social media omnipresent. He specifically criticized the slow response of national institutions to the recent data breach at Lithuania’s State Register.

On the military front, Lithuania will allocate 5.38% of its GDP to defense this year—among the highest in NATO—with a defense procurement budget of €1.7 billion (approximately NT$62.2 billion). Key goals include the full deployment of a German armored brigade by 2027, establishing a national division-level force, and enhancing air defense and anti-drone capabilities.

In his speech, Nausėda emphasized: 'I believe in NATO; it is not a paper tiger. I believe in Article 5 and in our allies’ commitment to defend Lithuania. But I believe even more strongly that we will be strong enough to defend ourselves and achieve victory.'

Lithuania will assume the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union starting January 2027. Nausėda stated that he will prioritize EU defense integration and governance reform, as well as strengthening NATO-EU cooperation mechanisms.

He reiterated that the United States is an indispensable ally and pledged continued military and humanitarian support for Ukraine, including backing its EU accession.

On internal governance, Nausėda strongly criticized recent political corruption in Lithuania, directly referencing the resignation of a former prime minister due to financial scandals, a former agriculture minister’s guilty plea, and another ex-premier facing prosecution. He noted that the entire State Plant Service had become a tool for organized crime.

He stressed: 'Regardless of party affiliation or position held, no one in Lithuania is above the law.'

Nausėda warned that low birth rates represent one of Lithuania’s most severe long-term structural challenges, proposing zero income tax rates for second and third children and family tax incentives. He also supports stricter immigration controls, emphasizing that 'Lithuania must remain Lithuanian in character.'

In closing, Nausėda welcomed the Social Democratic Party’s recent decision to restructure the ruling coalition but acknowledged the delay. He called on all political forces to replace confrontation with consensus to safeguard national security and long-term interests. (Editor: Chen Hui-ping) 1150617