Key quotes from Nauseda’s annual address - BNS REVIEW

VILNIUS - President Gitanas Nauseda, currently serving his second term, delivered his seventh annual address to the Seimas on Tuesday.

BNS highlights ten key quotes from the speech.

A DANGEROUS WORLD

"We are moving ever faster into a new and dangerous world where peace is no longer a given. Today we must admit to ourselves that Lithuania's environment is changing rapidly - and we must change with it. We live in a world of diminishing unity and peaceful coexistence. Narrow economic interests are becoming more prominent. Authoritarian regimes are raising their heads more boldly - with all the ensuing consequences.

(...) We live dangerously close to war. For the fifth year, Ukraine has been persistently defending itself against Russian military aggression, gradually seizing the initiative and posing more challenges to its opponents. However, the impressive achievements of the Ukrainians, to which we contribute with our support, do not bring peace. We do not know if we ourselves will end up in the crosshairs of hostile forces seeking to test NATO's unity and resolve."

"WE ARE HATED"

"The hybrid war against Lithuania has been going on for years, even decades. Huge funds are consistently allocated to it. And no bows or benevolent concessions will change this. Because we are hated for daring to be free and independent. Hated because we love our freedom and use its benefits with dignity. Hated because we create our own prosperity, something that all autocratic regimes, without exception, are unable to do."

DEFENCE FUNDING

"I believe in NATO - it is not a paper tiger. I believe in Article 5 and the determination of our allies to contribute to Lithuania's defence. But I believe even more that we will be strong enough to defend ourselves. (...) Already this year, we are demonstrating leadership at the NATO level by allocating 5.38 percent of GDP to defence. I believe we will invest in our security not only until 2030, but beyond."

A JAB AT THOSE WHO VOTED AGAINST THE KAPCIAMIESTIS TRAINING GROUND

"I personally oversee that the largest defence budget in Lithuania's history is used transparently and efficiently. The Minister of National Defence regularly provides information on this matter, and the National Audit Office is actively assessing it. I believe there is no lack of understanding across the national defence system of how important the current window of opportunity is, when we actually have the political will and funds to achieve a qualitative breakthrough.

On the other hand, looking at what happened during the site selection for the new training ground in Kapciamiestis, I increasingly doubt whether all politicians, members of the Seimas, understand the seriousness of the situation. And whether they are truly ready to stand firm in their posts in the fight for Lithuania and its security."

"WE ARE STILL VULNERABLE"

"Unfortunately, in recent years, unpleasant scandals of political corruption and illicit enrichment have recurred, proving that we, as a state and society, are still vulnerable. Driven by greed and selfishness. Prone to light-heartedly forgetting and trampling upon the common good.

(...) This is indeed a shameful situation, brightened only by the knowledge that Lithuanian law enforcement is actively and honourably doing its job. The message is sent to everyone - politicians, civil servants, officials, business representatives. No matter what party you belong to, what position you hold, how much influence you have, what connections you have built or what epaulettes you wear - there are and will be no people in Lithuania who stand above the law. The decisive strikes of Themis strengthen citizens' trust in their state."

"WITCH BURNING"

"For some time now, we have seen how easily any differences of opinion become the basis for public 'witch burning'. How quickly arguments are replaced by personalities, indecent gestures, and bullying. How difficult it is becoming in the public sphere to admit not even a mistake, but the very possibility that 'one of our own' might be wrong, and an 'outsider' is not necessarily fallen low.

We are creating a Machiavellian political life for ourselves, where the end always justifies the means. Where someone reaps votes for elections by lying at every opportunity and cynically spitting on the core interests of the state. Someone collects likes, followers, and power for the sake of power itself. Someone - orders pouring from a horn of plenty from public or less public procurement.

When this business of hatred and confrontation is carried out by 'our people', 'our own', 'the righteous', we increasingly choose to close our eyes and forget, instead of looking in the mirror. Caught in an unhealthy excitement, we inadvertently get involved in the slaughter instead of trying to look at the situation from a greater distance."

"HUGE CHANGES" IN THE ECONOMY

"Higher education in Lithuania today is an essential link ensuring the spread and application of innovation in society and the economy. At the first opportunity, we must ride the wave of technological transformation and harness it for the benefit of Lithuania - for all of us.

The real challenge will be to balance new dizzying opportunities with risk mitigation measures. We have very little time before huge changes overwhelm all sectors of the Lithuanian economy. If we are not careful, many of them could be uprooted, causing a problem of mass unemployment. But if we hesitate for too long, unable to decide, we risk finding ourselves on the sidelines of history, uninteresting and unnecessary to anyone."

"LITHUANIA MUST REMAIN LITHUANIAN"

"Today, the low birth rate is no less of a long-term structural problem for Lithuania than income inequality or business access to capital. You cannot create a welfare state in a dying nation. We do not have the luxury of getting out of a moving car and spending years unhurriedly searching for the ideal solution. We have already seen how the ruling majority of the previous Seimas term did this for four years, while simultaneously letting in more and more economic migrants. Today, having forgotten everything, they accuse others of populism.

Yes, we need the contribution of immigrants so that we do not run out of labour. However, it would be a big mistake to expect that uncontrolled immigration will hide the state's demographic pains. Whatever happens, Lithuania must remain Lithuanian."

WELCOMES A "NEW APPROACH TO CULTURE"

"I perfectly understand the resentment and anger of Lithuania's cultural and civic community. I understand that the difficult process of forming the Government has only further polarised society. As the head of state, I feel responsible for this. However, today, looking at the long-term perspective, I choose to see the bright side. Not since the days of Sajudis has Lithuanian culture received so much attention. Not from politicians, not from civil servants, but specifically from the public.

(...) I want to believe that the new approach to culture is not a temporary phenomenon. I believe it will be the new norm of Lithuanian political life, which after every Seimas election will elevate true professionals of the cultural sector to lead the Ministry of Culture - hardworking, experienced, and universally respected leaders."

SOCIAL DEMOCRATS "TOOK TOO LONG"

"Ten days ago, the Lithuanian Social Democratic Party made the decision to reshuffle the ruling majority once again. I will say it openly: it took them too long. Too many red lines were crossed, too many drops in the cup of patience, too much attention given to those who divide the state and society.

However, the decision has been made, and it is a very important starting point for our state. (...) Today we need a policy of consensus. We need a unified approach to the country's strategic interests. We need a Government that is ready to act actively under conditions of hybrid war, to strengthen the country's security and create the well-being of all people. I have no doubt we can create such a Government and such a policy."