Political scientist: Uzulnieks' drunk driving may not significantly hurt ZZS election results

Political scientist Jānis Ikstens says that Welfare Minister Raimonds Uzulnieks being caught driving under the influence of alcohol is unlikely to significantly reduce support for the Union of Greens and Farmers (ZZS) in the upcoming Saeima elections.

According to Ikstens, Uzulnieks has not been among the party's most prominent or influential politicians — his profile largely stems from a ministerial post he only recently obtained. He took over as minister after Uldis Augulis (ZZS) was removed from the welfare minister post during a government reshuffle.

Effect on his personal standing

The political scientist suggested the incident is more likely to affect Uzulnieks' own personal rating and electoral prospects than the party's overall performance. Ikstens noted that whether voters will be willing to renew Uzulnieks' mandate will become clear in the elections scheduled for early October.

What happened

Uzulnieks was caught driving under the influence of alcohol on Saturday. In response, Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs issued an order relieving Uzulnieks of his duties as welfare minister. Agriculture Minister Uldis Augulis has been appointed acting welfare minister for the remainder of this government's term.

Uzulnieks is currently the ZZS list leader in the Zemgale constituency for the upcoming Saeima elections.