MP alleges bullying in Vilnius district municipality; mayor calls it theatre

A Lithuanian MP has raised concerns about alleged workplace bullying and intimidation at Vilnius District Municipality, while Mayor Robertas Duchnevičius described the claims as a political performance, LRT reported.

Jaroslaw Narkiewicz of the Electoral Action of Poles in Lithuania – Christian Families Alliance (LLRA-KŠS) said at a news conference in the Seimas on Wednesday that he had seen signs of a climate of fear among municipal employees. He said conversations with staff at public events had left him concerned they feared consequences for speaking with him.

“A climate of fear cannot become the norm in municipal administration,” Narkiewicz said, adding that he had previously drawn attention to similar concerns. Renata Sobieska, a member of the LLRA-KŠS council faction, said the party had earlier raised possible violations of employees’ rights. She cited a letter sent to institutions subordinate to the municipality asking which employees would attend an event organised by the Union of Poles.

Agata Puncevičienė, a former head of the Paberžė eldership, said her work assessment worsened after she won a court case to overturn a disciplinary penalty. She said a new penalty was imposed on her this year, after which she was dismissed.

Duchnevičius said the news conference appeared to be a coordinated political performance rather than a sincere effort to establish what had happened. He also suggested the statements could be linked to upcoming elections and an effort to raise the politicians’ profiles.

The dispute comes as the Vilnius district council has been unable to consider renaming streets bearing the name of Polish clergyman Henrik Gulbinowicz, who was punished for sexually abusing minors. The issue was removed from the agenda last Friday at the request of the LLRA-KŠS faction. An earlier council meeting, on October 12, did not take place because there was no quorum after faction members failed to attend. The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday.