Arūnas Valinskas speaks on Vladimiras Laučius scandal, suggests 'yellow card'

Lithuanian politician Arūnas Valinskas has weighed in on the recent scandal involving Vladimiras Laučius, who was apprehended by police for driving under the influence and subsequently fled the scene of an accident. Valinskas, speaking on the Delfi podcast "Valinskas Knows," shared his perspective, drawing parallels to his own past encounter with a similar offense.

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That's why I, being more experienced in this matter... For example, LRT has such a rule that after one time – of course, if there are no consequences, nothing – there is still a certain suspension, a yellow card, not a red one. But it is immediately stated that if there is a second time – then without any discussion.

Valinskas proposed a "yellow card" approach for Laučius, suggesting a temporary suspension from public-facing roles rather than an immediate and permanent dismissal. He recalled his own experience, where after a DUI incident without severe consequences, he faced a suspension from hosting a few episodes of the show "Auksinis protas." He noted that he was explicitly warned that a second offense would lead to immediate termination.

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0.62 – I will remember for a lifetime. We were returning from a nearby restaurant, about 4 kilometers from our home, on the second day of Easter. Even the sons had not tasted alcohol at all and could safely drive, but I didn't even imagine that there could be anything. It was definitely miscalculated, but I accepted the punishment – I'm guilty myself, I have to bear it. But, colleagues, 2.3 – that's not a glass of wine... That can already be multiple days plus a repeat in the morning on old yeast. When you cause a traffic accident, kiss the poles and drive away – that's already a bit different.

Reflecting on the specifics of Laučius's case, Valinskas differentiated between a minor lapse in judgment and a more serious situation. He stated that a blood alcohol content of 0.62, which he registered in his past incident, is something he will "remember for a lifetime." However, he contrasted this with Laučius's alleged BAC of 2.3, describing it as significantly more severe than "a glass of wine" and potentially indicative of prolonged drinking. Furthermore, Valinskas pointed out that fleeing the scene of an accident, as Laučius is accused of doing, elevates the offense beyond a simple DUI.

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In any case, in V. Laučius's case, A. Valinskas also suggests a 'yellow card.' Moreover, he offered quite concrete solutions.

Despite the gravity, Valinskas reiterated his stance for a "yellow card" in Laučius's case, while also proposing concrete measures. He suggested that media outlets, television stations, or educational institutions should temporarily bar individuals from appearing on air. He believes that a period of "cooling off" is necessary, but crucially, this should be accompanied by a clear warning that any subsequent offense would result in the end of their professional relationship with the employer.

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You asked what to do. Without any doubt, one certainly cannot be excluded from life for such a thing. Of course, there should be a certain time for sitting on the calming, on the cooling chair. In such cases, editorial offices, television, or educational institutions should not allow people on air for a short time – for a certain period, one can work behind the scenes. But before that, there must be a statement that this would be the last time, because with the second time, practically all relationships in the workplace should end.