Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite celebrated victory in the Presidential Runoff granting her a second term. As well she greeted Ukraine for being able, under circumstances, to organize successful Presidential elections.
Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite celebrated victory in the Presidential Runoff granting her a second term. As well she greeted Ukraine for being able, under circumstances, to organize successful Presidential elections.
Grybauskaite defeated Social Democratic member of the European Parliament Zigmantas Balcytis.
Strongly supported by popular Prime Minister Algirdas Butkevicius, Zigmantas Balcytis did not look disappointed when he greeted Dalia Grybauskaite with a bouquet of red roses. Balcytis has also competed in the elections to the European Parliament, and took the seat once again.
Dalia Grybauskaite received 58 per cent of the vote and made history, because no president in Lithuania has so far been elected twice in a row. Balcytis scored 40 per cent of the vote.
Political analysts say that Grybauskaite's campaign was strengthened this year by her tough Thatcher-like rhetoric, amid widespread concerns over resurgent Russia.
Nicknamed Lithuanian Iron Lady, Dalia Grybauskaute focused mainly on national security, while a very moderate-positioned Balcytis tried to mobilize voters along social issues.
Although Lithuania is considered to be a parliamentary republic, the Presidency still holds considerable power.
Grybauskaite is mainly responsible for foreign policy, and she also appoints government ministers and judges, although she needs approval of the Parliament or the Prime Minister for most of her other appointments.
SHOTLIST
Dalia Grybauskaite being congratulated by LRT TV presenter
Supporters present Grybauskaite a cake
Grybauskaite shares her cake
Young musicians congratulate Grybauskaite
Parliament Speaker, Loreta Grauziniene congratulates Grybauskaite
Soundbite (Lithuanian)
DALIA GRYBAUSKAITE, Lithuanian President:
Thank you all who supported me. I thank you all who voted for the future of Lithuania, and with this President. Thank you all, who awarded me the honour of a second term to serve for you.
Cutaway
Soundbite (Lithuanian)
DALIA GRYBAUSKAITE, LithuanianPresident:
A meeting with Prime Minister is planned. Just after it, after discussing internal affairs, I fly to Brussels, where we will discuss the results of the elections to the European Parliament and Presidential Elections in Ukraine. On the occasion, I would like to use this opportunity to congratulate Ukrainian people on success in organizing open democratic elections.
Ex-rival Zigmantas Balcytis and Prime Minister Algirdas Butkevicius congratulate Grybauskaite
Soundbite (Lithuanian)
