Lithuanian president’s rating plunges for first time in 20 years

For the first time in over 20 years, more Lithuanians view President Gitanas Nausėda negatively than positively, according to a Vilmorus survey commissioned by Lietuvos Rytas. 

His approval rating has dropped to its lowest level since taking office in 2019, with 42.6% viewing him unfavourably in December, compared to 38.2% favourably, Caliber.Az reports via Lithuanian media.

In November, 45.2% had a positive view, while 32.3% were negative.

Vilmorus head Vladas Gaidys compared this decline to the impeachment of former President Rolandas Paksas in 2004, noting that negative ratings for presidents are unusual and often linked to major events. 

The drop is attributed to a combination of government formation delays, public protests, and ongoing political developments rather than a single event.

Nausėda is viewed most negatively by voters of the Homeland Union–Lithuanian Christian Democrats (TS-LKD) and Nemunas Dawn, while supporters of the Social Democrats rate him most favourably. 

Opposition leader Saulius Skvernelis has risen to first place in popularity, with 47% positive and 33% negative views. Aurelijus Veryga moved up to second place, with 39.6% favourable and 36.7% unfavourable. 

Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen ranks third, followed by TS-LKD leader Laurynas Kasčiūnas in fifth, and Social Democrat mayor Mindaugas Sinkevičius next. Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys fell to seventh place.

Remigijus Žemaitaitis of Nemunas Dawn remains the most disliked politician with 56.1% negative ratings, followed by Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė at 49.1% negative.

In party rankings, TS-LKD narrowly leads, followed by the Social Democrats and Nemunas Dawn. Support for other parties remains low, though the Liberal Movement shows a slight increase. The survey also notes a rise in voters opting for smaller or far-right parties.

Public trust in the government has dropped to its lowest in 14 years, with only 11.9% expressing confidence and 46.5% distrust. Vladas Gaidys notes that the last comparable low was in January 2012 during an economic crisis.

The representative survey was conducted from December 12 to 30, 1,000 adults participated, with a maximum margin of error of 3.1 percentage points.

By Jeyhun Aghazada