Uzulnieks apologizes after being caught driving with 3.09 per mille alcohol level

Former Welfare Minister Reinis Uzulnieks (Union of Greens and Farmers) posted a video statement on Facebook apologizing for driving a car with a blood alcohol concentration of 3.09 per mille. He described the incident as a serious mistake made during a difficult period in his personal life and amid the tense pre-election period.

Apology to the public and family

In the video, Uzulnieks first apologized to society, his colleagues, and everyone who had trusted him, acknowledging that he had betrayed that trust. He also addressed his family and those closest to him, saying they had always stood by him and that it pained him to know his actions now forced them to endure this situation as well. He admitted the incident could not be undone but pledged to draw conclusions so it never happens again, and asked forgiveness from anyone he had hurt or disappointed.

Thanks to police and call for responsibility

The former minister thanked the State Police and the Ropaži municipal police for carrying out their duties professionally and honestly. He also urged everyone to act responsibly toward themselves and society.

Consequences for his post and party

As previously reported, Uzulnieks was caught on Saturday driving with a blood alcohol level of 3.09 per mille, and the State Police have opened a criminal case over the incident. Following the event, the Union of Greens and Farmers removed Uzulnieks from his post as welfare minister, and he himself resigned from the Latvian Farmers' Union, one of the parties within the alliance. Uzulnieks is entitled to compensation for his dismissal from office, as well as payment for any unused annual vacation days he may have accrued.