Ex-minister Uzulnieks, caught drink-driving, can still legally drive

Reinis Uzulnieks, a former Latvian welfare minister who was detained in September for driving under the influence of strong alcohol, is still legally allowed to drive. No court verdict has been issued and entered into force in his case, according to the TV3 Ziņas news programme.

Prosecutors and police

Prosecutors told the programme that nothing legally prevents him from driving. Restricting a person's freedoms and rights before a final ruling would conflict with the law. Santa Vaļuma, a spokeswoman for the Prosecutor General's Office, said no ban applies to Uzulnieks in this situation, but added that he must himself judge whether his conduct is appropriate and ethical.

The State Police said the case of driving while heavily intoxicated was investigated in two days and, on 15 September, sent in an expedited procedure to the Pierīga prosecutor's office for charges to be brought. No preventive measures were imposed on the suspect, including a ban on a particular occupation. Police spokeswoman Elīna Priedīte noted that prosecutors and the court can decide on preventive measures within their own competence.

Uzulnieks's explanation

Since the incident he has appeared on several online shows, including a podcast by Arturs Dedzis titled “One mistake does not erase everything I have achieved”. He said people around him initially looked at him with bewilderment. According to him, the penalty takes effect with a conviction, and only then would he lose his driving rights.

Uzulnieks said he takes his two-year-old child to kindergarten in the mornings because his wife's work starts at 10:00. When his driving rights are removed, his wife will do it.

What happens next

TV3 Ziņas found that the court is scheduled to hear the case on 27 January. Until a verdict enters into force, the politician's presence behind the wheel formally does not breach current law.