Convicted Malinauskas seeks to lead Druskininkai again

LRT reported Friday that the political committee For Druskininkai had approved Ričardas Malinauskas as its candidate for mayor of Druskininkai, the city he led for more than 26 years.

Malinauskas said on Facebook that he accepted the nomination as a sign of confidence from his team. He said he wanted to complete projects, carry out new ideas and work with residents to decide what kind of Druskininkai they wanted.

In September, the Lithuanian Court of Appeal upheld Malinauskas’s conviction for influence peddling, making the ruling final. The court upheld a fine and ordered the confiscation of assets. He must pay a total of 90,000 euros to the state; he has paid 60,000 euros, with 30,000 euros still outstanding.

After the ruling became final, Malinauskas could no longer serve as mayor. The Druskininkai municipal council appointed Violeta Grigorienė to serve as acting mayor.

Malinauskas had led the municipality since April 2000. The next direct elections for mayors and municipal councils are scheduled for March 7, 2027.