Nalšia North constituency Freedom Party nominates Maksimas Paukštė for parliamentary election

The Freedom Party has nominated Maksimas Paukštė, chairman of its Visaginas branch, as its candidate for the upcoming early parliamentary election in the Nalšia North constituency, BNS reports.

Party leader Vytautas Mitalas said the decision reflects the party’s goal of restoring values to Lithuanian politics and engaging more young people. “Maksimas is a true patriot of his homeland. After living abroad, he chose to return to Visaginas and now seeks to enable others to make the same choice. In his hometown, he has united change-seeking youth and involved representatives of culture, education, and business to bring more life to the area. Such initiative-driven, responsible, and dedicated people are the strength of the Freedom Party and the future of all Lithuania. I believe Maksimas will be a strong voice for Visaginas, Ignalina, and Zarasai districts in the Seimas,” Mitalas said in a statement released on Monday.

Born in Visaginas, Paukštė has worked as a youth worker at the Visaginas Arts Residency “Taškas” and later coordinated youth projects at the Visaginas Economic Development Agency. He currently serves on the Lithuanian Youth Organizations Council.

After finishing school, Paukštė moved to Denmark but decided to return to Visaginas a few years later. “Like many young people, I left to seek new opportunities. But I realized I wanted to live in my own city. I saw how, after the closure of the Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant, one by one, my acquaintances left. I don’t want this to be the only future scenario for the region. We must strive for young people in Visaginas, Ignalina, and other Lithuanian regions to want to build their lives here. That’s why I’m running for the Seimas,” Paukštė said.

He emphasized that businesses need young people to create jobs and grow the economy, children need young teachers and inspiring role models, and seniors need people to care for their health and lend a helping hand. “And the youth themselves need a community where they want to build their future,” he added.

Paukštė believes that in the Northeast Lithuania region, it is important to balance the unique natural beauty and tourism potential with targeted investments in culture, education, and business. According to him, this would unlock the region’s vast potential, create new jobs, and foster an active cultural life.

He highlighted three key priorities: establishing a free economic zone in Visaginas, focusing on cultural life, and improving transport links.

The early parliamentary election in the Nalšia North constituency will be held on November 8, following the unexpected death in May of its MP, Jevgenijus Šuklinas. Eleven parties and one independent candidate, Eduardas Vaitkus, have announced plans to contest the seat. So far, only the Social Democratic Party has confirmed it will field Vladislavas Kondratovičius, former interior minister and current chancellor of the Ministry of Environment.

Candidates must submit their documents by August 20.