Speeches

Inaugural Address by President Dalia Grybauskaitė Vilnius, Daukanto Square

Dear Fellow Citizens of the Republic of Lithuania!

I am here because such was your will and such was my choice.

I have sworn to the Nation and I am determined to dedicate my utmost efforts to the well-being of the people of Lithuania.

Power is not for glory or money. POLITICS IS NOT A TYPE OF BUSINESS. IT IS A CALLING! I am here not to rule, but to serve the people. This opportunity to make life better and Lithuania stronger is my greatest reward and my ultimate goal.

Our love for freedom and democracy is rooted in our hearts. And it is in our hearts that a nation is born.

Was one thousand years enough for us to understand what kind of state we wish to be and what we actually are?

Dear Standard Bearers who have come to stand by my side from all across Lithuania!

You are witnesses that contempt for people, disrespect for the law and unfairness abound in our cities and towns.

LET US BUILD THE STATE OURSELVES!

Let us start from the foundation - the local government.

Let us elect directly mayors and community elders, let us make local politicians account to their constituents.

But let us not follow mistaken paths. If we vote for empty promises or guided by frustration, if we can be bought or can bribe others, democracy will become a mere parody of itself.

My Dear Fellow People!

As I travelled across Lithuania, I saw a lot of hatred and self-destruction. I saw a huge divide between poverty and wealth.

Lithuania is in discord.

I INVITE LITHUANIA TO MAKE PEACE WITH ITSELF!

We are one people. We are one nation.

It is only working together that we will overcome the economic, political and moral downturn in Lithuania.

I wish us all strength!