Lithuanian president calls to strengthen democracy at Summit for Democracy

VILNIUS – Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda on Wednesday called for “comprehensive strengthening” of democracy at the virtual Summit for Democracy hosted by the United States.

He also stressed that, faced with growing threats and challenges, “we should be ready to defend democracy, and every member of the democratic community has this great duty to help each other against the many pressures of autocratic regimes”, the presidential press office reported late on Wednesday.

“We are used to thinking of democracy in idealized terms. We often describe it as the ultimate political goal. Democracy is good; therefore, we must build it and promote it. Democracy is good; therefore, it must prevail in the end… By mobilizing the citizens and empowering them, democracy creates a basis for strong institutions. Inclusion and participation make the state a true common good,” Nauseda stated.

The Lithuanian leader also said that the war unleashed by Russia in Ukraine “is not only aimed at Ukraine’s sovereignty and right to national self-determination. It is also an attack against the highest ideals of democracy”.

Meanwhile, Ukraine, “with the substantial help of a wider international community, today is able not only to resist an overwhelming military force, but also to fight for the ultimate victory”.

“I am certain that such resilience is possible because of broader democratic inclusion and participation,” he stressed.

More than 50 state leaders from all over the world as well as representatives of international organizations, non-governmental sector and civil society took part in the second edition of the Summit for Democracy organized at the initiative of US President Joe Biden.

The summit focused on three main themes: strengthening democracy and defending against authoritarianism and global challenges, fighting corruption, and promoting respect for human rights.