Some vows of Lithuania’s new president

Lithuania’s new President Gitanas Nauseda says he will seek to reduce income inequality in the country and bolster the country’ security.

Addressing the parliament after his swearing-in on Friday, Nauseda said he would asses the government based on its ability to reduce social exclusion.

According to Nauseda, part of people do not feel the fact that, historically, Lithuania “today is probably living the most successful and economically richest period in the country’s history.”

“When we speak of a two-speed Europe, how could we not see that we have created a two-speed Lithuania?” Nauseda said.

He pledged to seek the reduction of the gap between the richest and the poorest during his presidential term, the collection of more revenue for the state budget and the reduction of regional differences.

The head of state also vowed to pull political forces together to have a national agreement on changes in the education sector.

The new president also underlined the need for Lithuania to continue bolstering the state’s defense capabilities.

Nauseda replaced Dalia Grybauskaite who served as Lithuania’s president two terms from 2009.

As an independent candidate, Nauseda was elected Lithuania’s president on May 26, receiving 66 percent of votes.