Latvian welfare minister removed after drunk-driving arrest
The Union of Greens and Farmers has recalled Reinis Uzulnieks from his post as welfare minister and expelled him from the party after police detained him for driving with a blood alcohol level of 3.5 per mille. Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs has issued an order releasing him from the position.
The board of Latvia's Union of Greens and Farmers party held an extraordinary meeting and decided to recall Reinis Uzulnieks from his post as welfare minister, also voting to expel him from the party.
According to information obtained by Latvian Television (LTV), police detained Uzulnieks the previous day after he was found driving a car while intoxicated, with a blood alcohol reading of 3.5 per mille.
President's response
President Edgars Rinkēvičs commented on social media that it is especially unacceptable and reprehensible when state officials — ministers, members of parliament, or law enforcement employees — engage in such conduct. He stated that such behavior deserves severe punishment, since no one stands above the law, and that this sends a signal to society as a whole. Rinkēvičs did not name the minister directly in his post.
Details remain unclear
LTV journalists have been unable to reach Uzulnieks by phone, as his phone is switched off. According to information available to journalists, he is being held at a short-term detention facility in Riga on Gaujas Street.
Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs has issued an order removing Uzulnieks from the post of welfare minister.
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