In December 2024, I. Hofman took over the role of Minister from the Conservative agriculture minister Kazys Starkevičius, who has recently been investigated by law enforcement. Hofman raised concerns about mass layoffs occurring at the State Plant Protection Service, which has led to apprehensions about the integrity of its operations. He has also received reports of politically affiliated individuals being hired into the agency, sparking controversy regarding the influence of political parties on public service employment.

During a broadcast, Hofman disclosed that alongside mass layoffs, he was informed of appointments of individuals connected to specific political parties, including members from the Democratic Union for the Welfare of Lithuania. He pointed out that while specific politicians were not directly mentioned, party-related hiring practices raised significant ethical concerns regarding the management of the agency. He cited Agnė Silickienė's hiring as one example of these practices, indicating a deeper issue of politicization within governmental agencies.

The situation sheds light on potential abuses of power within Lithuania's political landscape, particularly with regard to how employment decisions at state agencies may be influenced by political affiliations rather than merit-based criteria. This raises questions about governance, transparency, and accountability in public administration, with widespread implications for the integrity of public services in Lithuania.