Lithuanian president to new parliament: keeping promises must be daily norm

VILNIUS - In his speech welcoming the members of Lithuania's newly elected parliament on Thursday, President Gitanas Nauseda warned of the responsibilities and challenges that come with holding power, stressing that keeping promises should be an everyday practice, not something done on occasion.

"Shortly, when you swear the oath of loyalty, you will take your place in the long chain of the builders of our statehood. In addition to your rights as members of the Seimas, you will assume the duty and daily responsibility to safeguard Lithuania's security, independence and democracy. You will have to work for the well-being of all the people of Lithuania," Nauseda said.

"Each of you will now face a special test of power. Your wisdom, values and sense of justice will be under the watchful eye of the people. No slip-up or major mistake will escape public scrutiny," he said.

The president emphasized that the current geopolitical situation will not allow any respite, and complex external challenges will not make domestic decisions any easier.

"Fulfilling promises, maintaining high standards of transparency, and dialogue with citizens must be a daily rather than an occasional occurrence," he said.

Nauseda also stressed the importance of Lithuania's unity with its NATO and EU partners, the implementation of joint agreements with allies, and the commitment to strengthening defense capabilities and boosting defense investments. He noted that these will be among the key decisions for the new parliament to adopt.

He mentioned Lithuania's EU presidency in 2027 among the challenges and opportunities facing the country in the 2024-2028 legislative period.

The president also underlined the parliament's responsibility for how people feel and whether there is concord among them.

"Dividing and stirring up discord in society, showing disrespect and promoting hatred is perilous not only to the internal but also to the external security of our homeland," he said.

Nauseda urged the new parliamentarians to work constructively with the country's businesses, NGOs, local, academic and cultural communities, active citizens, and local governments.

The president also noted the lack of effective regional policies coordinated at the government level.

Wishing the new parliament, a productive and smooth term, Nauseda urged MPs to pay less attention to social media and more to real decisions.

"From this moment on, the parliament, rather than social networks, will be your workplace. From today onwards, the decisions you take rather than digital likes you gain will become the tool for assessing your performance," he said.

The 14th Seimas of Lithuania is starting its term on Thursday.

The Lithuanian Social Democratic Party (LSDP), the biggest party in the new parliament with 52 seats, has formed a ruling coalition with the Dawn of the Nemunas party with 20 seats, and the Democratic Union "For Lithuania" with 14 seats.

The parliament will also include 28 MPs from the Homeland Union-Lithuanian Christian, 12 from the Liberal Movement, eight from the Lithuanian Farmers and Greens Union, three from the Electoral Action of Poles in Lithuania-Christian Families Alliance, one from the National Alliance and the Freedom and Justice Party each, and two independents.