A recent incident in Prienai municipality has sparked controversy as Žydrūnas Šyvokas, the cousin of the municipal administration director Jūratė Mickevičienė, was hired after the dismissal of another employee. This hiring took place after Mickevičienė reportedly adjusted job requirements in a way that made it easier for Šyvokas to qualify. The adjustments eliminated the need for a university degree, allowing those with only college degrees to apply for the senior specialist position.

The decision to alter the job criteria before hiring has raised eyebrows, especially since the previous employee, A. Baidokas, had been vocal in filing complaints against the administration. This background suggests a potential pattern of conflicts leading to reprisals against employees who raise concerns. In a court proceeding, representatives of the Prienai municipality denied any wrongdoing, arguing that the conflict stemmed from Baidokas's persistent complaints rather than any retaliatory measures.

Mickevičienė asserted that Šyvokas successfully won the open competition for the position, emphasizing the procedural integrity of the hiring process. However, the lack of transparency and swift changes to qualifications have ignited debates about nepotism and ethical hiring practices in governmental roles, prompting calls for improved regulations to prevent similar situations in the future.