“Driving a vehicle while intoxicated is dangerous and criminal behavior, for which criminal liability is provided under certain circumstances. It is especially unacceptable and reprehensible when such actions are committed by public officials—ministers, deputies, or law enforcement officers,” emphasized the president. In his opinion, such actions deserve severe punishment, as no one is above the law. Furthermore, the appropriate response from the state should serve as a signal to the entire society. Rinkēvičs also noted that cases of people driving or swimming while intoxicated are still too common in Latvian society, leading to tragedies. The president thanked the police officers who stopped the intoxicated driver and possibly prevented a serious incident. “I really hope that each such case will make someone think and refrain from foolishness, and that those around will timely stop the ‘heroes’ who want to take a ride in a car, motorcycle, or bicycle,” wrote Rinkēvičs. As reported, on Saturday, Minister of Welfare Reinis Uzulnieks was detained while driving a vehicle in a state of severe alcohol intoxication. His breath test recorded 3.09 promille of alcohol.
