Presidency says Nausėda missed Adamkus centenary due to pre-planned visit

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda missed former president Valdas Adamkus’s 100th birthday celebration because of a previously scheduled visit to Germany, the President’s Office said, according to LRT.

The office said the working visit took place at a time proposed in advance by Germany, which it described as an important strategic partner. Nausėda’s public schedule included meetings with German leaders, a speech at the Berlin Security Conference and an appearance at a Lithuanian-German business forum.

The statement followed a Facebook post by public figure Andrius Tapinas questioning the explanation. Tapinas said he doubted the President’s Office’s account and argued that Nausėda could have returned to Lithuania after the security conference to attend the celebration.

The President’s Office said Nausėda has “sincere personal ties” with Adamkus and wrote the congratulatory speech delivered at the event. The speech was sent to the organisers last week. Nausėda and Adamkus spoke by phone on Tuesday and plan to meet this week, the office said.

Adamkus marked his 100th birthday on Tuesday. A celebration was held in his honour at the Lithuanian National Opera and Ballet Theatre in Vilnius.