LTV: Former Deputy Mayor of Madona District Shķēls Punished for Drunk Driving
Aigars Šķēls, the former Deputy Mayor of Madona, has faced multiple administrative penalties over two decades, including a recent charge for drunk driving and subsequent driving without a license.
Aigars Šķēls has been a public servant for 20 years in the Madona municipality, during which he has accumulated nearly 40 administrative penalties, primarily for traffic violations such as speeding and not wearing a seatbelt. His most serious offense was recorded in November 2024 when he was caught driving under the influence of alcohol, resulting in the loss of his driving privileges. Despite this, he was found driving without a license in July 2025, after the local elections for the municipality were held, as reported by LTV's unofficial sources.
The implications of Šķēls's repeated offenses raise significant questions about accountability among elected officials, particularly in how municipal representatives' misdemeanors are disclosed compared to those of members of the national parliament. While the Saeima's Mandate and Ethics Commission publicly reports on parliamentary infractions, the transgressions of municipal deputies are less transparent, as they rely heavily on self-disclosure. This lack of oversight may contribute to a culture of impunity among local officials, undermining public trust.
When interviewed about the reasons for the penalties he faced, Šķēls responded evasively, particularly concerning the relationship between his driving offenses and other personal matters, such as child support issues. His situation highlights broader concerns regarding the monitoring of local government officials and the need for reforms to ensure that there is accountability and transparency in municipal governance across Latvia, particularly in light of the seriousness of his offenses and their potential impact on public safety and integrity in public office.