Incumbent Lithuanian President Nausėda wins election

(Patria) - Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda was re-elected on Sunday in a vote marked by
concerns about neighbouring Russia, official results showed, AFP reported.

Results released by the election commission showed Nausėda won 76 percent of the vote with 80 percent of ballots counted after polling stations closed in the second round of voting.

Voters gave me "a great mandate of trust and I am aware that I will have to appreciate it," Nausėda (60) told reporters in Vilnius.

"Now that I have five years of experience, I believe I will certainly be able to use this jewel properly, primarily to achieve the goals of well-being for all people of Lithuania," he said.

His opponent, Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė, conceded defeat and congratulated Nausėda. The Lithuanian president directs defence and foreign policy, attends EU and NATO summits, but must consult with the government and parliament on the appointment of top officials.

Both candidates agree that the NATO and EU member of 2.8 million people should increase defence spending to counter the threat from Russia, and to that end the government recently proposed a tax increase.