Who Will Be Denied Access to State Secrets? 0 13

The State Security Service has not yet received a request from two senior officials of local governments for access to state secrets. One of them is the mayor of Ogre, Egils Helmanis (National Alliance), who has been on sick leave for a long time. The Health Inspectorate has begun an investigation into the validity of his incapacity. Meanwhile, most officials, as reported by Latvian Radio today, have already been checked and granted access. This month, decisions regarding the remaining officials will also be announced.

Latvian Radio notes that 92 representatives of municipalities have received access to state secrets. Decisions regarding another 25 local government leaders are expected to be made soon. It is worth recalling that after the local government elections in June last year, a legal requirement came into effect mandating that mayors, deputy mayors, and executive directors of local governments must obtain access to state secrets. If a refusal is issued, these officials must leave their positions.

"During the assessment of any candidate for a special permit, the State Security Service comprehensively evaluates the reliability and ability of the individual to maintain state secrets, obtaining and analyzing a wide range of information about that person," reports Latvian Radio.