Nausėda: Migrants won't solve problems; Lithuania must remain Lithuanian

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda has asserted that a declining birth rate is one of Lithuania's most significant long-term problems, and that demographic challenges cannot be resolved solely through increased migration. He advocated for stricter migration policies and additional measures to support families.

Speaking at the Seimas, Nausėda described low birth rates as a structural issue comparable to income inequality or insufficient access to capital. "You cannot build a welfare state with a dying nation," he stressed, urging the government to act decisively to improve the demographic situation.

He criticized the previous conservative government for delaying action on birth rates while simultaneously increasing economic migration. While acknowledging the need for immigrants in the labor market, Nausėda warned against relying on migration as the primary solution to demographic issues. "It would be a big mistake to expect that uncontrolled immigration will hide the country's demographic pains. Whatever happens, Lithuania must remain Lithuanian," he stated.

Nausėda also called for tightening migration policies, expanding the temporary work permit system, and focusing more on return migration by creating favorable conditions for young families with children to come back to Lithuania. He proposed targeted measures to support families, including tax benefits, improved housing policies, and greater regional development. He also suggested considering a temporary zero income tax rate for second or third children and tax incentives for employers hiring parents with multiple children.