Uzulnieks apologises for driving with more than three per mille

Former Latvian Welfare Minister Reinis Uzulnieks has apologised for driving a car with more than three per mille of alcohol detected in his breath, LSM reported. He called the incident a serious mistake in a brief statement on Facebook.

“First, I want to apologise to the whole public, my colleagues and everyone who trusted me. I understand that I have betrayed that trust,” Uzulnieks said. He also apologised to his family and those close to him, who have had to endure the consequences of his actions.

Uzulnieks thanked the State Police and Ropaži municipal police for carrying out their duties professionally and honestly. “I urge everyone to be responsible towards themselves and the people around them,” the former minister said.

Police detained Uzulnieks for driving under the influence in Ropaži municipality on September 12. A criminal investigation has been launched.

The board of the Union of Greens and Farmers recalled Uzulnieks from his ministerial post, and he was expelled from the Latvian Farmers’ Union, which is part of the alliance. Uldis Augulis has been appointed acting welfare minister.

Uzulnieks is the Union of Greens and Farmers’ lead candidate in the Zemgale constituency for the parliamentary elections scheduled for October. Although he has been expelled from the party, he can no longer be removed from the candidate list.