Municipality cites qualifications for convicted ex-mayor’s appointment

Druskininkai Municipality says former mayor Ričardas Malinauskas was appointed chief adviser to its administration because of his competence, qualifications and experience, LRT reported.

Malinauskas began the job on September 18, according to a response from Aldona Jankauskienė, an adviser to the acting mayor, to questions from ELTA. The position is not subject to a public competition, she said.

Malinauskas took up the post less than a week after his conviction for influence peddling became final. The Lithuanian Court of Appeal upheld the conviction last Monday, leaving in place a fine and ordering the confiscation of his property. He must pay the state a total of 90,000 euros.

As a result of the final conviction, Malinauskas could no longer serve as mayor. Because less than a year remains until the regular municipal council and mayoral elections, no early mayoral election will be held in Druskininkai. The municipality will instead be led by an acting mayor appointed by the council until next spring.

Malinauskas led Druskininkai Municipality for more than 26 years, serving as mayor since April 2000. On Monday, the municipal council assigned Violeta Grigorienė to serve as acting mayor.