Tumelis appointed interim mayor of Marijampolė after Isoda's disqualification

The Marijampolė municipal council has appointed V. Tumelis as the interim mayor, a decision supported by 19 council members with 4 abstentions. Tumelis will hold the position until the local government elections scheduled for 2027.

This appointment comes after the Central Electoral Commission (VRK) removed the mandate of the former mayor, P. Isoda. Isoda was convicted in the "check fraud" criminal case by the Lithuanian Court of Appeal. The election code stipulates that a mayor's powers must be revoked upon a final conviction.

As less than a year remains until the next regular local elections, new elections will not be held in Marijampolė. The council's decision to appoint an interim mayor ensures continuity until the spring of 2027. Isoda, a Social Democrat, was found guilty of abuse of power, fraud, and document forgery, receiving a final fine of 10,000 euros and a three-year ban from public service. He disputes the court's decision and plans to appeal.