Lithuania has elected its first female president, Dalia Grybauskaite.  Grybauskaite is a former Finance Minister and member of the European Commission known for being a tough-talking economic expert who even has a black belt in karate. Grybauskaite, an indepedent, won with 67.17% of the vote, far ahead of the second place candidate, Social Democrat Algirdas Butkevicius, who received 12% of the vote. Although the Lithuanian president has little control over economic issues, matters that are assigned to the Prime Minister while the President deals with foreign policy, many Lithuanians are likely hoping that Grybauskaite will be able to help the country recover from the recent economic downturn. After the election, out-going president Valdas Adamkus phoned Grybauskaite to congratulate her and to pledge his administration’s support in making a smooth transition of office.

Compiled from: “Lithuania gets first woman leader,” BBC News (18 May 2009); “Dalia Grybauskaite,” European Commission; “President Adamkus congratulated President-Elect Dalia Dalia Grybauskaite,” President of the Republic of Lithuania (18 May 2009).