State of the Nation Address

Dear People of Lithuania,

Honorable Speaker of the Seimas, Members of the Seimas,

Less than a month ago, the air raid alert declared in Vilnius, the capital of independent Lithuania, became a challenge for all of us. The Seimas, the Government, the Office of the President, various state institutions, educational and cultural establishments, and civic-minded people - many of us, in practice, tested civil protection procedures, as well as shelters and hiding places. We saw more clearly which measures work and where further improvement is necessary.

The alert was soon lifted, but it left us with a clear understanding: we are moving ever more rapidly into a new, dangerous world where peace can no longer be taken for granted.

Today, we must admit to ourselves that Lithuania's environment is changing rapidly - and we must change with it.

We live in a world with diminishing unity and peaceful coexistence. Narrow economic interests are becoming increasingly prominent. Authoritarian regimes are raising their heads with ever greater boldness, along with all the consequences that follow.

We live dangerously close to war. For the fifth year now, Ukraine has been resolutely defending itself against Russian military aggression, gradually seizing the initiative and posing ever greater challenges to its adversaries. Yet the impressive achievements of the Ukrainian people, to which we also contribute through our support, do not bring peace of mind. We do not know whether we ourselves will become a target of hostile forces seeking to test NATO's unity and resolve.

We live in a world of expanding artificial intelligence. Humanity is gaining unprecedented capabilities to process information and create the common good. At the same time, however, ever more ways are emerging to distort information and use it for malicious purposes.

Finally, there are growing signs that we are living through an era of fatigue in the Western cultural landscape. Increasing pressure on democratic institutions, new military and technological rivalries, rising risks of wealth concentration and inequality, and perhaps most importantly, the gradual sidelining of humanistic values are generating new and significant tensions. We in Lithuania will inevitably feel their impact as well.

In this complex world, it is our duty to seek our own path. Fortunately, Lithuania today is wealthier, stronger, more socially conscious, and more self-confident than it was yesterday or the day before. And we have every opportunity to ensure that our future is even brighter.

Lithuania can - and I believe will - draw upon the unique qualities that distinguish it from many Western countries.

From our rich history springs the ability to adequately assess major risk factors and prepare for them. We possess living memories of both bitter bondage and the joy of liberation. Our eyes are not clouded by naivety. We have not yet grown so accustomed to comfortable living that we fail to see those who threaten it here and now. We know the true price of freedom, and we are doing everything possible to pass that knowledge on to our children and grandchildren.

We trust ourselves because we have endured the greatest trials and overcome them. Our unity in moments of profound upheaval is not imagined; it has been tested by harsh fate. And our resilience is not merely a technical but a spiritual quality - a part of our civic identity that no one can take away from us.

We also look at the world with an open mind and, when necessary, can act quickly, flexibly, and resourcefully. Sometimes this means a greater inclination to emigrate. Yet the world offers many examples of how migration has encouraged the productive exchange of ideas, later reversed direction, and even evolved into a kind of national superpower - a foundation for faster economic growth, the spread of knowledge, and societal renewal. We are already beginning to feel the initial positive effects of return migration in Lithuania.

Finally, we have a fundamental advantage of speed, enabling us to implement change incomparably faster than larger or more tradition-bound countries. The ability to cut corners becomes even more important in an era defined by a staggering pace of change. If anyone has the potential to ride the coming wave of change, it is us - Lithuania.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The greatest and most urgent challenge facing our country lies in the field of security.

We are a target toward which larger and smaller arrows are constantly directed. Day after day, year after year, hostile forces test our vigilance and resilience.

We live in a time when direct military threats are becoming increasingly real and are already beginning to disrupt the peaceful lives of the people of Lithuania. Yet even these threats are merely the tip of the iceberg, beneath which lie many more challenges - often hidden where we least expect and do not even look.

The hybrid war against Lithuania has been going on for many years, even decades. Substantial resources are consistently allocated for this purpose. No gestures of goodwill or concessions will change that.

They hate us because we dare to be free and independent. They hate us because we cherish our freedom and use its advantages with dignity. They hate us because we create our own prosperity - something that no autocratic regime has ever been able to achieve.

We see illegal migration directed against Lithuania. We see smugglers' balloons. We see acts of terror and sabotage. Every day, we witness a vast amount of hatred, malice, propaganda, and disinformation spread on social media by faceless, soulless, fake accounts.

Less than a month ago - far too late - we all learned about the theft of data from the Center of Registers. Malicious activity was not identified and stopped in time, and the danger to Lithuania's residents was further increased by the overly slow response of state institutions.

Once again, we realized that the vast capacity to collect, store, and effectively use data also entails greater risks of losing that data. A thorough investigation into how this happened is therefore necessary, if only to ensure that it does not happen again in the future.

At the same time, it is encouraging that in the sphere of military security we already have a solid foundation on which we can rely.

Membership in NATO is undoubtedly one of Lithuania's greatest achievements of this century.

I believe in NATO - it is not a paper tiger. I believe in Article 5 and in the determination of our Allies to contribute to Lithuania's defense. But I believe even more strongly that we will be strong enough to defend ourselves and prevail.

The events of recent years have only strengthened our determination to transform all of Lithuania into a true Iron Wolf that not only howls loudly but cannot be broken.

Already this year, we are demonstrating leadership at the NATO level by allocating 5.38 percent of GDP to defense. I am confident that we will continue investing in our security not only until 2030, but beyond.

It is especially important that the majority of parliamentary parties clearly and unequivocally support this commitment.

Indeed, our decision to allocate more resources to defense will be of little value if we lose focus and fail to keep sight of the main objective: ensuring greater national resilience and effective military deterrence.

We must move forward boldly along the path we ourselves have set for the future.

We need the full German armored brigade in Lithuania as early as 2027. We need proper infrastructure to host troops from the United States and other Allies. We need effective air defenses, including protection against drones. We need more modern weapons and ammunition, with a long-term vision of producing as much as possible here in Lithuania. We need a national division and a highly trained reserve force. We need civil protection with an effective warning system and a well-developed network of shelters and hiding places. We need readiness for total resistance as an essential and decisive element of deterrence.

These are entirely objective needs of the state and society that must be met. This is the duty of every political party and every politician in Lithuania.

This year, Lithuania will allocate 1.7 billion euros to the procurement of armaments and military equipment. More than half a billion euros from the Defense Fund will be directed toward acquiring heavy equipment and ammunition for the national division. This will allow the Lithuanian Armed Forces to be supplemented with new infantry fighting vehicles, artillery and air defense systems - especially important today - radars, electronic warfare capabilities, and new drone and counter-drone capabilities. Half a billion euros alone is being invested in air defense, and procurement is taking place here and now. As early as 2028, we will receive the first German Leopard tanks, some of which will be assembled near Kaunas, creating jobs here in Lithuania.

Understanding that necessity is the best teacher, and that Ukrainians are already the world's best experts in drone warfare, we are learning from Ukraine's valuable experience. We are expanding bilateral cooperation with Ukraine in the defense industry to prepare comprehensively for future challenges and also to provide real help to the Ukrainian people.

An integral part of our efforts is the development of military infrastructure. In parallel, the military towns in Rūdninkai and Kairiai are being built, preparations are underway to expand the Tauragė training area and establish the Emilija Pliaterytė range in Kapčiamiestis. Together with our Allies, we are preparing to act decisively, if necessary, in the Suwałki Corridor.

All these efforts and investments are not, and cannot be, ends in themselves. I personally oversee the use of the largest defense budget in Lithuania's history to ensure that it is spent with transparency and efficiency. The Minister of National Defense regularly reports on this matter, which is also being actively reviewed by the National Audit Office. I am confident that throughout the national defense system there is a clear understanding of how important the current window of opportunity is - a moment when we truly possess both the political will and the financial resources to achieve a qualitative breakthrough.

On the other hand, looking back at what took place during the selection of the site for the new training area in Kapčiamiestis, I increasingly question whether all politicians and members of the Seimas truly understand the seriousness of the situation - and whether they are genuinely prepared to stand firmly at their posts in the struggle for Lithuania and its security.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Today, we do not have time to wander blindly in the twilight. We need a clear vision and the drive that flows from it. We need the ability to focus on Lithuania's national interests.

The international context is unforgiving for small and medium-sized states. For many years, across various formats, strong emphasis has been placed on the need to uphold the rules-based international order. Today, many of us continue to support and defend this order. Yet the truth is that the most important multilateral institutions - above all, the United Nations system - are sinking into an increasingly profound crisis. It is becoming ever more difficult to reach agreements and make decisions even on issues of vital importance to all humanity, such as combating climate change and containing dangerous diseases.

The European Union remains the strongest and most influential defender of multilateralism. Yet it too lacks speed and effective mechanisms for decision-making and implementation.

On 1 January, Lithuania will assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union for a six-month period. This will be a rare opportunity to shape the European Union's agenda at the highest level. And I can assure you - we will make full use of it.

We will actively raise issues of defense, internal and social security, European Union enlargement, and the strengthening of historical memory. We will also advocate for a stronger transatlantic bond and closer EU-NATO cooperation. Across Europe and beyond, Lithuania is already recognized for its responsible approach to security and defense. As before, our key challenge is to bring together like-minded partners and convince those who still have doubts.

The issue of the European Union's competitiveness is becoming increasingly important as well. Understanding how much depends on today's choices, we will seek a more integrated single market that creates better conditions for innovation, investment, and economic growth. We will work to ensure that the multiannual financial framework for 2028-2034 reflects current geopolitical and economic realities.

The Presidency will also provide more opportunities to discuss European Union reforms. The political developments of recent years have shown that the principle of unanimity can easily become a tool for abuse. On the other hand, it also protects the interests of smaller member states. My priority is to ensure that these interests are not undermined in the forthcoming process of reforming the governance of the European Union.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

A clear understanding of today's key security challenges naturally brings the Nordic and Baltic countries closer together. Joint meetings take place regularly, with particular attention devoted to support for Ukraine.

At the same time, the United Kingdom-led Joint Expeditionary Force strengthens our collective preparedness to respond to threats in the Baltic Sea, the High North, and the North Atlantic. I was pleased to have the opportunity in Helsinki to announce that the Joint Expeditionary Force Summit in 2028 will take place in Lithuania.

Joint Baltic-Nordic action is becoming increasingly visible in the bilateral format as well. This year alone, Lithuania has hosted state visits by the Danish Royal Couple and the Presidents of Finland and Estonia. Shortly after my working visit to Sweden in early May, I had the honor of welcoming the Swedish Royal Couple in Vilnius. In July, we look forward to welcoming the President of Latvia for a state visit.

The current state of relations with Poland is particularly encouraging. We cooperate closely, implement joint infrastructure and military mobility projects, and regularly conduct bilateral military exercises. In January, I discussed with President Karol Nawrocki the idea of a joint free economic zone between the two countries in Lazdijai and Suwałki - which is now beginning to be implemented by our governments.

I am pleased that the Lublin Triangle meeting took place in Vilnius on the anniversary of the 1863 uprising. It was attended by both the President of Poland and the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy. For Lithuania - as for the entire region - it is important that the connection between Warsaw and Kyiv remains as strong as possible. Therefore, we have a vested interest in preventing even the slightest weakening of this bond.

Today, our relations with Germany are closer than ever. In recent years, Germany has increasingly sought leadership in European security. German leaders have demonstrated through concrete actions that they understand Europe's future is being decided today in Ukraine and on the eastern flank of the European Union and NATO.

The arrival of a German armored brigade in Lithuania is not only an additional security guarantee, but also a unique opportunity to develop bilateral political, economic, scientific, and cultural cooperation. Recognizing this, I call for an ambitious implementation of the Year of Lithuania in Germany cultural program and for ensuring greater awareness of Lithuania as a reliable strategic partner throughout Germany. I have also launched an initiative to promote the German language in Lithuania and to strengthen its teaching in general education institutions and universities.

The Germans have a saying: "Genug ist nicht genug" - enough is not enough. The current situation is not bad, but it needs to be better. And it will be!

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The United States remains an indispensable ally of Lithuania and of all of Europe. American engagement in our region is critically important both for military security and defense, and for the overall development of energy infrastructure and the economy.

If Europe becomes stronger, more capable, and better able to take care of itself, this will only strengthen collective security and complement the global role of the United States. Together, we are stronger - that has always been the case, and it always will be.

Taking this opportunity, I would like to congratulate the United States on the approaching 250th anniversary of its independence. This will be a celebration that is important to every person who cherishes freedom.

I understand that the current rotation of United States troops deployed in Lithuania raises additional questions. However, as President Donald Trump has repeatedly emphasized to me in his letters, Washington values Lithuania's contribution to strengthening collective security and will take this into account when making decisions.

Lithuania also sees the broader picture of global security. We do not intend to stand aside when instability beyond Europe's borders threatens global trade and the interests of our Allies. We support efforts to ensure maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz and are ready to contribute, particularly through mine-clearance capabilities.

Our country has no intention of compromising when its national security interests are directly affected. We strongly condemn Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, as well as hybrid attacks against Lithuania originating from Belarusian territory; we firmly support international sanctions against these countries and call for their further tightening.

Today, we see Ukraine's immense efforts to achieve a just, lasting, and sustainable peace grounded in international law. Therefore, we will continue to provide Ukraine with comprehensive military and humanitarian assistance, support its recovery, reconstruction, and modernization, and back its aspirations for membership in the European Union.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

What we absolutely cannot allow is the destruction of the Lithuanian state from within.

Our country's history contains more than one example of how we ourselves have undermined the vital forces of the state by allowing greed, selfishness, and division to run rampant.

In the 18th century, it was not only Russia that brought down the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth; we abandoned, sold, and surrendered it ourselves. And in 1940, it was not foreigners, but some of our own people - deluded by a criminal ideology - who welcomed the army of the occupiers.

Unfortunately, in recent years we have seen a recurring pattern of scandals involving political corruption and illicit enrichment, which show that we, as a state and as a society, remain vulnerable. We are driven by greed and selfishness. We tend to forget and disregard too easily the common good.

Last year, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Lithuania failed the test of public scrutiny and was forced to step down. To this day, we have not received any coherent answers to questions regarding business ties, transactions, and the origins of assets. It is therefore only natural that law enforcement authorities continue to investigate this matter.

This year, charges were brought in another case against a former Minister of Agriculture of Lithuania, who has pleaded guilty, and against a former Prime Minister, who until very recently served as Speaker of the Seimas.

As a person, I found this genuinely difficult to believe. But as head of state, it is even more disturbing to know that an entire institution - the State Plant Service - was effectively turned into an instrument of business extortion and activities that can only be described as organized crime.

This is truly a shameful situation, made somewhat less painful only by the knowledge that Lithuania's law enforcement authorities are actively and honorably doing their job. The message is sent to everyone - politicians, civil servants, officials, and business representatives. Regardless of which party you belong to, what position you hold, how much influence you have, what connections you have built, or what insignia you wear - no one in Lithuania is above the law and will never be. Decisive actions by Themis strengthen citizens' trust in their state

Sometimes cleansing is simply necessary if we wish to move one step closer to a state governed by the rule of law that is equally fair to all. This is an opportunity for all of us to raise the standards of legal - and political - responsibility.

An effectively functioning criminal justice system - comprising law enforcement, prosecution, and the courts - is today a pivotal pillar of the state.

Seeking to ensure the right of victims to compensation for the harm they have suffered, several weeks ago I submitted to the Seimas a proposal to introduce mediation in criminal proceedings. The experience of other European countries shows that this method of conflict resolution can not only promote reconciliation among participants in proceedings but also increase trust in the justice system and, consequently, in our state as well.

It is precisely trust in the state and the ability to take pride in its progress that help us withstand attempts by external forces to divide and manipulate us

For some time now, we have seen how easily any differences of opinion become the basis for public "witch hunts." How quickly arguments give way to personal attacks, indecent gestures, and ridicule. How increasingly difficult it has become in the public sphere to acknowledge not even a mistake, but the very possibility that "one of our own" might be wrong, while "an outsider" is not necessarily morally inferior.

We are creating a Machiavellian political landscape in which the goal always justifies the means. In this environment, some harvest votes for elections by lying at every opportunity and cynically disregarding the fundamental interests of the state. Others collect likes, followers, and power for power's sake, while some profit from a surplus of contracts arising from public or less public procurements.

When "our own people," "insiders," and "the righteous" engage in this business of hatred and confrontation, we increasingly choose to turn a blind eye and forget, rather than take a good look in the mirror. Caught up in unhealthy frenzy, we unwittingly join the battle instead of trying to view the situation from a greater distance.

We spent many months debating the new governance model for Lithuanian Radio and Television. I will admit that some of the legislative proposals regarding the public broadcaster were, at the very least, questionable and perhaps even irresponsible. At times, the discussions took on the shade of a tragicomedy. The heightened rhetoric and accusations exchanged between opposing camps were particularly troubling, as their sole purpose was to mobilize supporters at any cost.

Eventually, the legislative process, whatever its nature, produced a result. The amendments were adopted, but will they fundamentally change anything? Will the public broadcaster from now on become more transparent and better prepared to use its sharply increased budget effectively and responsibly?

Frankly, I do not know whether any of the combatants feel victorious, but it seems to me that, to some extent, we have all lost - all of Lithuania. Today, having shown each other the middle finger, we trust one another even less. Even the most sacred principles of democracy, such as freedom of speech, appear somewhat tarnished and have diminished in their natural luster. This is truly a great loss for all of us.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

By plunging headlong into performative political games, we do not solve problems. On the contrary, we only create more of them. And before we know it, we become objects of manipulation by others - not always with benevolent intent.

The more often we use modern technologies to fuel confrontation, the greater the risk that all of us - the people of Lithuania - will end up destroying ourselves and fading away.

But ultimately, the blame will not lie with social networks, the internet, or artificial intelligence. The responsibility will be ours alone.

Change can - and must - begin with children. There is more than one way to do that. I am pleased that, at the initiative of my wife Diana, Lithuania has joined the global coalition "Fostering the Future Together" launched by the First Lady of the United States, Melania Trump. Together, we will work to ensure that future generations are raised in a safe environment.

It is in all of our interests that Lithuania's children grow up healthy, physically active, and protected from the greatest temptations and challenges of the digital world. Cyberbullying is already a serious problem that must be addressed not only at the level of individual classes or schools, but at the level of the entire state.

Lithuania's educational and scientific institutions are places where our shared future is shaped. And they must provide space both for the responsible use of modern technologies and for human curiosity, creativity, and the determination to strive for higher achievements.

In the new geo-economic reality, the strength and resilience of states are increasingly determined by their people. Technological literacy in society is becoming ever more important; therefore, we must give people opportunities for lifelong learning.

Lithuania also faces the challenge of moving forward even faster and devoting greater attention to education. The application of artificial intelligence solutions will undoubtedly help us on this path. At the same time, nothing can replace the essential role of teachers, their initiative and emotional connection with children.

To strengthen Lithuania's education system, I have initiated discussions on the establishment of a Teachers' Chamber, an institution of professional self-governance for educators. I also support reform of secondary education. The time has come to stop focusing the entire educational process solely on preparation for exams. While speaking extensively about them, we tend to forget that the quality of education is what matters most. Our children must be prepared not for tests, but for independent life.

We must empower both teachers and students so that together they can pursue the best possible results. Education should broaden horizons instead of further limiting them for those who start from a less advantageous position.

Today, Lithuania's higher education system is an essential link ensuring the spread and practical application of innovation in society and the economy. At the earliest opportunity, we must ride the wave of technological transformation and harness it for the benefit of Lithuania - for the benefit of all of us.

The true challenge will be to reconcile these exciting new opportunities with measures that reduce risks. We have very little time before enormous transformation sweeps across every sector of Lithuania's economy. If we are not careful, many sectors could be uprooted, causing mass unemployment. But if we hesitate for too long, unable to decide, we risk ending up on the sidelines of history - irrelevant and unwanted.

Fortunately, Lithuania already has solid groundwork in advanced technologies and science. We are leading rather than trailing in modern electronics and semiconductors, life sciences, precision engineering, lasers, sensors, high-value-added software, artificial intelligence solutions, and financial technologies.

Earlier this year, during my visit to CERN, I had the opportunity to express Lithuania's ambition to become a full member of this exceptionally important scientific organization. Our strategic objective is to participate as actively as possible in the powerful innovation ecosystem where the industries of the future are being created. We are ready to contribute to long-term visionary projects such as the Future Circular Collider.

A fundamental objective of Lithuania's economic policy has always been - and will remain - to sustain overall economic growth. This underpins funding for both national defense and social policies aimed at our people's welfare. Therefore, we must find ways to bring all sectors of the economy - both the most advanced and traditional - together in pursuit of this shared goal.

Recently, I submitted to the Seimas a proposal to activate deposits in the economy, allowing residents to voluntarily earn returns on funds held in current accounts and improving opportunities to finance economic development through a national development bank.

We must also respond to the impact of energy price spikes on the competitiveness of Lithuanian businesses. Therefore, I proposed allowing the Government, temporarily - for a period of five years - to reduce regulated electricity prices by up to 30 percent for energy-intensive businesses, with an obligation to repay this deferred amount later.

We all see and understand that we are living through a period of great instability in oil and gas markets. In response to this exceptional situation, we temporarily reduced the excise duty on diesel fuel. Similar measures may need to be taken in the future if necessary.

I proposed to the Seimas a measure to better protect all Lithuanian consumers by introducing a new market-compatible mechanism to cap maximum fuel prices. If necessary, it would ensure that, when indirect fuel taxes are reduced, the financial benefit actually reaches the end user.

In the long term, it will be particularly important to ensure that Lithuania's energy sector remains not only a driver of economic growth but also a guarantee of political independence.

Lithuania has the potential to become a unique country in Europe - and even globally - by fully meeting its electricity needs from renewables by 2028. However, the shift toward renewable energy is not just about national independence. It is about the people of this country. I am convinced that solar and wind energy will be cheaper than fossil fuels, will not be disrupted by geopolitical conflicts in the world's hotspots, and will not pollute our living environment.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Speaking about education, I emphasized the importance of greater creative freedom for teachers and students.

However, it is no less important that we have children in Lithuania in general. Rapidly emptying and closing schools across the country, with the exception of a few major cities, is a serious warning signal. Last year, Kražiai lost its gymnasium, whose origins date back to the beginning of the 17th century and which is associated with such distinguished figures as Žygimantas Liauksminas, Motiejus Kazimieras Sarbievijus, and Albertas Vijūkas-Kojalavičius.

Today, the low birth rate is no less of a long-term structural challenge for Lithuania than income inequality or business access to capital. You simply cannot build a welfare state in a nation that is dying out.

We do not have the luxury of stepping out of a moving vehicle and spending years searching for the perfect solution. We have already seen how the previous governing majority in the Seimas spent four years doing exactly that, while at the same time allowing ever greater numbers of economic migrants into the country. Today, having forgotten all this, they accuse others of populism.

Yes, we need the contribution of immigrants so that we do not face labor shortages. However, it would be a serious mistake to expect uncontrolled immigration to conceal the country's demographic challenges.

Whatever happens, Lithuania must remain Lithuanian. Therefore, I support a stricter migration policy and a system of temporary work permits. I also call for even stronger encouragement of return migration by expanding lituanistic education abroad and creating better conditions for young families with children to return.

The easiest path is to complain that nothing can be done and that this is simply the nature of the modern person who desires more comfort and fewer responsibilities. But how much have we done to nurture the image of large families, to share stories of daily sacrifices for children and dependents, and to recognize the quiet heroes who are creating Lithuania's future? Each year, in the White Hall of the Presidential Palace, I honor only a small fraction of them.

We need targeted tax incentives for families with children and an effective housing strategy that would create better conditions for young families to settle not only in Vilnius, where prices have risen beyond imagination, but also in the regions. We also need nationwide measures to promote regional vitality and to ensure public services.

Understanding this, I initiated an additional tax-exempt income allowance for families with children, which is to take effect next year. I have also proposed that the Seimas consider introducing a temporary zero personal income tax rate following the birth of a second and third child, as well as corporate tax incentives for employers hiring people with two or more children.

Finally, I propose reaching agreement on targeted financing of essential healthcare services in the regions,in order to preserve the most necessary public services for families with children.

At the end of 2025, the Seimas took an important step by adopting the Health Insurance Law, which established a long-term plan to increase healthcare financing until 2032. Therefore, processes such as "continued optimization of the health network" or "incentives for closing inpatient departments" must be sidelined - or better still, abandoned altogether. This is especially true when we are talking padiatric wards and the need to maintain them. It is especially true when we are talking about Lithuania's regions.

There is no shortage of work in other areas of social policy either. The growth of the well-being of people in Lithuania will be supported by higher social benefits, increased salaries for public-sector employees, and rising pensions. In order to further reduce poverty among seniors, I have proposed improving the mechanism for additional pension indexation.

This year, changes to the second pillar of the pension system generated considerable debate. I welcome the greater freedom of decision now available to people saving for retirement. Nevertheless, the large number of individuals choosing to leave the system shows that it is not sufficiently attractive at present. The right path is to continue considering how to improve the second pension pillar, encourage people to save more independently for retirement, and invest.

When discussing regional vitality, I place great hopes in the renewed constitutional law on fiscal discipline. It will allow municipalities to invest more by borrowing from the national development bank ILTE.

Good road infrastructure in Lithuania is necessary not only for local residents, but also for business development and military mobility. Therefore, I am pleased that the Seimas approved my initiative to amend the Law on Roads, which will allow for broader application of the public-private partnership model in this area.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Over the past year, I have had more than one opportunity to realize that politics is not always a pleasant undertaking. We do not always have the luxury of choosing between good and better options.

For me personally, the effort to protect the Ministry of Energy - and with it, core national interests - cost a great deal. I could not allow this ministry to be led by a political force accused - even by its partners - of an anti-state stance. I could not allow the dark shadows of private interests to threaten Lithuania's energy independence, built over decades.

These efforts indirectly set other political processes in motion. Changes within the governing coalition placed an additional burden on the cultural sector.

I fully understand the disappointment and anger of Lithuania's cultural and civic communities. I understand that the complicated process of forming the Government further deepened divisions within society. As head of state, I feel responsible for this.

However, looking at the long-term perspective today, I choose to see the brighter side. Since the days of the Sąjūdis movement, Lithuanian culture has never received so much attention - not from politicians or civil servants, but from society itself.

The shock experienced encouraged many people to become active participants in public life and political processes. Many came to understand that culture matters, that culture is the foundation upon which our society and state stand, and that it cannot be monopolized or blindly pushed around on the chessboard of political games.

I want to believe that this new approach to culture is not a temporary phenomenon. I want to believe that it will become a new norm in Lithuanian political life that, after every parliamentary election, will bring genuine professionals from the cultural sector to lead the Ministry of Culture: hardworking, experienced, and widely respected leaders.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Ten days ago, the Social Democratic Party of Lithuania decided once again to reshape the governing majority. I will be frank: it took them far too long. Too many red lines were crossed, too many drops filled the cup of patience, and too much attention was given to those who divide society.

The decision has been made, and this is a very important point of reference for our state. The leader of the Social Democratic Party, Mindaugas Sinkevičius, has decided to head the government. This position is not about poll numbers or basking in the media spotlight, but about a unique opportunity to make decisions that will shape Lithuania's long-term future.

Today, we need consensus-based politics. We need a united approach to the country's strategic interests. We need a government that is prepared to act decisively under conditions of hybrid warfare, to strengthen national security, and to create prosperity for all the people of Lithuania.

I firmly believe that we can build such a government and such politics. I will work constructively with all political forces to ensure that the Lithuanian state is preserved for centuries to come, and that it remains safe and strong.

The people of Lithuania are incredibly hardworking and talented. Over several decades, we have created a modern European state whose economic and social progress is admired by many foreign leaders with whom I have had the opportunity to engage.

Our shared mission is to build a wall of deterrence that even the most malicious intentions cannot breach. To counter lies with truth, anger with light, and intrigue and demagoguery with hard work. I believe this mission is possible.