ZZS sharply condemns minister's drunk driving incident

The Union of Greens and Farmers (ZZS) has issued an official statement sharply condemning the actions of its own representative, Welfare Minister Reinis Uzulnieks, after it emerged that he was stopped driving on Saturday with a blood alcohol level of 3.09 per mille. The party stated that driving under the influence is absolutely unacceptable, and that society rightly expects exemplary behavior from those entrusted with high state office. ZZS emphasized that when such a line is crossed, the political response must be swift and unambiguous.

Uzulnieks is also the ZZS list leader for the Zemgale region in the upcoming parliamentary elections, adding further political weight to the scandal. The party added that a legal assessment of the incident will be provided by the responsible authorities.

Removal from office

It was previously reported that ZZS, at an emergency board meeting, decided to recall Uzulnieks from the post of welfare minister and called for his expulsion from the Latvian Farmers' Union, one of the parties forming the ZZS alliance. Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs issued an order relieving Uzulnieks of his ministerial duties. Agriculture Minister Uldis Augulis, also from ZZS, has been appointed as acting welfare minister for the remainder of the government's term.

President's reaction

President Edgars Rinkēvičs also condemned the incident on social media, stating that driving under the influence of alcohol is dangerous and criminal behavior that can carry criminal liability under certain circumstances. He said such conduct is especially unacceptable when committed by state officials, and that it deserves severe punishment since no one stands above the law. The president thanked police for stopping the driver, noting it may have prevented a serious accident.