Ukmergė Council Member Caught Drunk Driving for Second Time

The shocking incident involving Agnė Balčiūnienė, a member of the Ukmergė District Municipality Council, has once again brought the issue of public officials' accountability to the forefront. Caught driving with a severe level of intoxication (2.93 promille), Balčiūnienė's actions not only endanger public safety but also cast a dark shadow on the integrity of local governance.

This is not the first time the council member has faced such accusations. A similar offense in February 2024, where she was found with a blood alcohol content of 2.78 promille, resulted in the suspension of her driver's license and her removal from the chairmanship of the Anti-Corruption Commission. Despite these previous transgressions, she remained a member of the Municipal Council.

The situation is particularly concerning given Balčiūnienė's past roles, including deputy mayor and former chair of the local branch of the Homeland Union – Lithuanian Christian Democrats. While the party has suspended her membership, her continued presence on the council raises questions about the vetting processes and the consequences for elected officials who repeatedly disregard the law and public trust. The local Ethics Commission is expected to address this matter soon, but the damage to public confidence may be harder to repair.