Kaunas mayor Matijošaitis seeks re-election as challengers struggle to gain traction

Kaunas Mayor Visvaldas Matijošaitis will run for a third term in Lithuania’s 2027 municipal elections, with no clear rival yet emerging to challenge his dominance, reports LRT.lt. Despite some voter calls for younger leadership, the incumbent—often nicknamed the city’s “farmer” (ūkvedys)—remains the frontrunner, according to political analysts and residents.

Matijošaitis confirmed to LRT Television that he intends to seek re-election, citing unfinished projects from his current term. “No final decision has been made, but it looks like I’ll run. The worst part is starting many initiatives and not finishing them—only 80% of our planned work is complete,” he said. He added that he pays little attention to political competitors.

So far, only one official challenger has emerged: Social Democrat Audrius Radvilavičius. Political scientist Ainius Lašas told LRT that other parties’ chances hinge on whether Matijošaitis runs again—or potentially endorses a successor, such as one of his sons or a city council ally. “Kaunas residents like their ‘farmer.’ I think Matijošaitis fits the role perfectly—no need to artificially craft an image,” Lašas said, noting that polls show the mayor holds the strongest position.

Residents interviewed by LRT expressed mixed views. Some praised Matijošaitis’ tenure but called for younger leadership. “He’s too slow. We need someone in their 40s—there’s so much bright young talent,” said one elderly woman, though she admitted she would vote for the incumbent if no stronger alternative appeared. Another resident criticised Matijošaitis’ values but acknowledged, “He doesn’t disappoint Kaunas—five stars, really.” Others recalled the chaos under his conservative predecessor, Andrius Kupčinskas, and preferred stability.

Matijošaitis, who has led Kaunas since 2015, previously told LRT he had not considered the 2027 elections. His potential re-election bid comes as his administration highlights progress on 80% of its current-term goals, with additional plans lined up for a possible next term.