Jonines celebration held at Šiauliai mayor’s private residence

A Jonines (Midsummer) celebration was held at the private residence of Šiauliai Mayor Artūras Visockas, where municipal employees, including musicians from city-funded institutions, performed for guests, LRT.lt reports.

Photos shared on social media by attendees, including the mayor himself and city council member Gediminas Beržinis, revealed that the event featured performances by the kanklės (traditional Lithuanian string instrument) ensemble “Mėta” from the Šiauliai Song Music School, led by pedagogue Lora Andriuškienė, as well as violin music by Vilhelmas Čepinskis, the head and conductor of the Šiauliai Symphony Orchestra. Both the music school and the symphony orchestra are institutions funded by the city budget and fall under the mayor’s authority.

Among the guests were high-ranking municipal officials, including the director of Šiauliai Municipality Administration Antanas Bartulis, the mayor’s advisor Vincas Urbonavičius, and the head of the municipality’s Sports Department, Gintaras Jasiūnas, who also serves as vice president of the Lithuanian National Olympic Committee. Several city council members were also present.

The event has drawn criticism from opposition figure Zakiras Medžidovas, who described it as a new low in political culture, likening it to autocratic tendencies. He questioned the blurring of lines between public and private interests, suggesting that municipal resources may have been used for personal entertainment.

The State Service Ethics Commission has acknowledged potential risks in the situation. Virginija Aleksejūnė, deputy chair of the commission, stated that upon receiving a formal report, they will decide whether to investigate the matter. The mayor’s office has declined to comment, stating that the event was private and unrelated to municipal activities.