Nausėda says too many red lines were crossed in power changes

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda has stated that too many red lines were crossed during recent power changes in the country, LRT.lt reports.

Delivering his annual address to the Seimas (Lithuanian parliament) on Tuesday, Nausėda reflected on the state of Lithuania, its domestic and foreign policies. This marks his second annual address in his current term.

The president began by recalling the air raid alert declared in Lithuania less than a month ago, noting that various institutions—from the Seimas to educational establishments—tested civil defence algorithms, shelters, and protective measures.

“We saw more clearly which measures work and where we need to improve. The air alert was soon lifted, but we were left with a clear understanding that we are rapidly entering a new, dangerous world where peace is no longer taken for granted,” Nausėda said.

He emphasised that Lithuania is changing rapidly, and the country must adapt accordingly. The president highlighted the growing challenges to democratic institutions, new military and technological rivalries, increasing wealth concentration, and the risk of inequality. He also underscored the importance of humanistic values being pushed into the country, which create new tensions.

“We live in a world with less unity and peaceful coexistence, where narrow economic interests are increasingly prevalent. Authoritarian regimes are raising their heads more boldly, with all the consequences that entails. We live dangerously close to war. Ukraine has been bravely defending itself against Russian military aggression for five years, gradually taking the initiative and posing more challenges to its enemies. However, Ukraine’s impressive achievements, to which we also contribute with our support, do not bring peace of mind,” Nausėda stated.

He warned that Lithuania must be prepared for the possibility of facing hostile forces seeking to test NATO unity and cohesion in peacetime.

The president described hybrid warfare against Lithuania as an ongoing threat, noting that it has been active for more than a decade, with significant funds consistently allocated to it. He stressed that no concessions or goodwill gestures would change this, as hostility stems from Lithuania’s independence and freedom.

“They hate us because we dare to be free and independent. They hate us because we love our freedom and make full use of its benefits. They hate us because we create our own prosperity, something not all autocratic regimes can achieve,” Nausėda said.

He also pointed to illegal migration targeting Lithuania, smuggler balloons, acts of terrorism and sabotage, as well as the daily spread of hatred, scorn, propaganda, and disinformation by anonymous, cowardly, and false accounts on social media.

Nausėda also addressed the recent scandal at the Registrų centras (Centre of Registers), drawing attention to the issue in his speech.