Lithuanian president urges united efforts to create welfare state

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda urged on Thursday political compromises in order to create the welfare state, the main goal announced by him more than one year ago during the presidential election, reported Xinhua.

"The welfare state does not start with just economic and social indicators. It starts with respect, mutual trust, responsibility for the common interest and helping each other. The understanding that you are responsible not only for yourself is still Lithuania's goal," said the president, while giving his first State of the Nation Address at the parliament.

He expressed his disappointment about the lack of will to politically agree on the state's common interests.

As regards foreign policy, Nauseda stressed that he gave great importance to relations with neighbors, including Belarus and Poland, transatlantic allies and Lithuania's active role in creating a more ambitious European Union and encouraging the Eastern Partnership process.

He also commented on coronavirus pandemic, saying that it has exposed the strengths and weaknesses of the state.

"Coronavirus has shown who in our society and politics is ready to solve problems in a constructive way and who uses empty rhetoric and destructive actions, who honestly discharges one's duties and who needs drama and superheroes," the president said.

According to Nauseda, leaving the emotions caused by the first stage of the crisis aside, it is possible to state that the country's specialists and civil society have passed the coronavirus test by showing their dedication and professionalism.

Nauseda, a former central banker, won Lithuania's presidential election in May 2019.