Budrys calls criticism of Nausėda over Adamkus tribute misplaced

Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys has said criticism of President Gitanas Nausėda for missing a celebration of former president Valdas Adamkus’s 100th birthday is unfounded and untimely, LRT reported.

“A drama is being created in the wrong place and perhaps at the wrong time, in a week when we should be celebrating the president, remembering his work, supporting him and wishing him good health,” Budrys, a former presidential adviser, told Žinių radijas on Thursday. “Today’s discussion should not be about who was or was not there.”

Nausėda did not attend the events marking Adamkus’s centenary because he was on a working visit to Germany. The Presidency said the date of his meeting with German leaders had been agreed in the spring.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Presidency said Nausėda and Adamkus maintain close personal ties. It added that the president shows his respect not only through personal contact but also through his work defending Lithuania’s interests.

Adamkus turned 100 on November 3. A conference was held at Vilnius Town Hall that day, followed by a formal celebration at the Lithuanian National Opera and Ballet Theatre.