PM Kulbergs: welfare sector won't be left without leadership before elections

Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs (AS) said in an interview with TV3's "900 sekundes" that the welfare ministry will not be left without oversight — or, as he put it, "put on pause" — before the upcoming elections. Agriculture Minister Uldis Augulis (ZZS) has been appointed acting welfare minister. Kulbergs explained the choice by noting Augulis previously headed the welfare ministry and is familiar with both its staff and current agenda items. Augulis had also previously substituted for the outgoing welfare minister, Reinis Uzulnieks (ZZS).

The arrest

Kulbergs said he learned of Uzulnieks' arrest for drunk driving from Interior Minister Jānis Dombrava (NA). Asked whether he was confident no other cabinet members had similar issues with alcohol, Kulbergs was cautious, saying he is neither a doctor nor an expert qualified to judge such matters, but that he had not observed such problems during cabinet meetings. He first stressed his hope that Uzulnieks would receive the help he needs, and urged people to consider their responsibility toward others when they see someone intoxicated preparing to drive.

A similar view was expressed by ZZS parliament member Augusts Brigmanis on Latvian Television's "Rīta panorāma," who said Uzulnieks' actions came as a surprise to fellow party members. Asked whether other party members might have similar issues, Brigmanis said he could only speak with certainty about himself.

Background

As LETA previously reported, Uzulnieks was caught driving Saturday with a blood alcohol level of 3.09 per mille. State Police have opened a criminal investigation into the incident. The Union of Greens and Farmers removed Uzulnieks from his ministerial post and announced plans to expel him from the party. A meeting of the ZZS board was scheduled for Monday, after which further details were promised.