Lithuanian president plans to travel, read books after term ends

VILNIUS - President Gitanas Nauseda says he plans to travel and read books after his term ends in just under three years.

In an interview published by the 15min news portal on Friday, Nauseda said more than seven years in politics and public life had left him emotionally exhausted. He said he had no ambitions to continue his political career after his presidential term ends.

Nauseda said he would like to visit places around the world he had not yet seen, adding that he had viewed some of them only through the window of an official motorcade. He also said his experience of public exposure and constant crises had strengthened his desire to step back from public life.

Nauseda described himself as having introverted traits but stressed that communicating with people also gave him energy. He said he would not mind going unrecognised on the street, although people sometimes still address him as president.

Nauseda has served as president since 2019. Under Lithuania's Constitution, the same person may be elected president for no more than two consecutive terms.