Lithuanians vote this Sunday 13th in the first round of legislative elections that could result in an alternation in power, but without a real change in foreign policy based on total support for the Ukraine and strengthening the defense.
According to observers, the center-left could replace the conservatives in power after the elections, in which a new populist party would also emerge.
The Baltic State, with 2.8 million inhabitants, fears that it will be the next target of Russiaafter the invasion of Ukraine launched in February 2022.
The main parties in the country, a member of NATO and the EU, agree on the need for strong support for Kiev and maintain or even increase defense spending, which currently represents around 3% of GDP.
Polls show that the social democratic party, which governed from 2012 to 2016, would be ahead of the other 14 formations and coalitions, with 20% of the votes. The center-right party in power, União da Pátria, would obtain 15% of the vote. Six or seven parties would exceed the threshold to enter Parliament.
Despite this possible alternation of government, no major changes are expected in terms of foreign policy.
“There is no authentic alternative to what Lithuania chose 20 years ago,” he told AFP political analyst Linas Kontrimas, referring to Lithuania’s membership of the EU and NATO.
